What's Your Problem Wednesday: Liquid Eyeliner

Wondering the right way to apply blush?  How to use contouring to slim your face?  How to get those "Pamela" lips?

Each Wednesday, I'll be answering your beauty questions at Mama Does Makeup!

So... what's your problem?

Send your questions to Lisa at lisabmakeup@gmail.com

Today's question comes from Karen:

"I need a good, easy to use liquid eyeliner that won't leave me looking like I'm trying too hard. Any thoughts?"

Yes Karen, I have a thought... I HATE liquid eyeliner!  LOL  Don't get me wrong, I LOVE how it looks but I hate applying it. I've tried every brand, every application technique, and practiced my butt off but I still can't get that darn line to look perfect.


Because nothing beats the intensity of liquid eyeliner, I went searching for any easier product with the same properties.  Enter:  gel liners.  YAY!!!!!  These products have the same intense, highly pigmented payoff, but they go on SO much easier because they are a creamy!  The gel/cream liners also dry quick and last forever.  Double bonus!!!!


I have 2 drugstore favorites:  L'Oreal HIP Studio Secrets Professional Color Truth Cream Eyeliner in Black (could that name be any longer????) and Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Gel Eyeliner in Blackest Black.  The L'Oreal liner retails for around $11 while I believe the Maybelline one is under $5.  Honestly, I don't really think one is better than the other so.... go for the cheaper one!  And FYI, Walgreens puts Maybelline on sale for 40% quite often so watch the sales ads.

The trick to getting a perfect line is chucking the cruddy brush they give you with the liners.  Better yet, use it to clean the dust from between your keyboard keys!  The brushes both companies give you are too small and too stiff.

Pick up a REAL liner brush like this one from Crown Brush (www.crownbrush.com)  it's under $2.

You want a long-handled tool with taklon bristles.  Taklon is a synthetic material that won't absorb the liner... thus giving you a much smoother application.  You can also pick up cheap taklon brushes in the art section at Michael's.  Just make sure the bristles are around 1/4 long and that the head of the brush (probably not the official name of that part) is about the same width and not TOO stiff... you don't want to scratch your eyelids.

I was going to post step-by-step photos here, but why reinvent the wheel?  There are LOADS of YouTube video tutorials on how to apply gel liners.  I'm recommending you check out  Kandee Johnson's Prom Makeup 2011 Video to see how easy it is to apply these babies.  You can fast-forward to 5:34 min to skip to the eyeliner part.  And yes!  She is even using the Maybelline liner in this video LOL.  I also invite you to take a peek at Kandee's other makeup tutorials.  She has got a lot of great tutorials on her YouTube channel.


Happy Lining!

~ Lisa

Revlon Colorburst Lipstick Review

Off the Shelf:  Revlon Colorburst Lipstick Review

I used to be a die hard Revlon Lipstick fan.  They had all the colors I loved, good pigmentation, great price, and didn't have a funky flavor or odor.  When I picked up some of the Colorburst colors to check out... I wondered why I had ever strayed :)

I LOVE these lipsticks!!!!

You can find them just about anywhere... Walgreens, Target, WalMart, Ulta, CVS and they retail for anywhere between $6.50 and $8 (Hint:  Revlon frequently issues coupons, so do a quick online search for any deals before you shop!)  They are also packaged REALLY nice in a black case that has a quilted look.  Honestly,  they look like very high end products!

I test drove 4 colors that I both personally liked and seemed pretty popular among other beauty gurus. Although some of the colors weren't what I expected, in the end I wound up loving all 4 of them.

Pink Sugar was one of those that surprised me.  I really expected it to be much more opaque.  It's a VERY sheer nude with a lot of sparkle.  Think: VERY fine glitter kinda sparkle.  It's a color that's perfect to wear over another color to add some sparkle for sure.  You could wear it alone too if you just wanted some shimmer without color.

Soft Nude is my very, VERY favorite of all the colors!!!!  Some call it a dupe of MAC's famous Myth color (which is one of my most beloved colors)  It has more orange in it than Myth and is definitely a lot creamier.  Still a perfect nude to match up with a similar lipliner or even a pink-ier one.

Carnation is a dark pink... pretty much a magenta color.  I'm still getting used to wearing such a vibrant color but, it does look great with pin-up style eyes.  To give your lips more dimension, try pairing this color with a red lipliner... just be sure to blend the line out with a cotton swab or lip brush.  To tone down the intensity of the color, top it with Pink Sugar!

Finally, Rosy Nude.  This is the exact same color of my actual lips LOL  The swatch makes it look darker than it actually is.  I like to wear this color with dark, brown smokey eyes.  It's a very warm look and because the lip color is so natural looking, you can play up your eyes A LOT without looking crazy.  And I pretty sure no one wants to look crazypants!

You can get more information about Colorburst Lipsticks by visiting Revlon online.  CLICK HERE to go their now.

If I had to choose just one color to pick up???  Get the Soft Nude!!!!!!  It'll look good on every skin tone, pairs beautifully with different liners, and it goes well any color eyeshadow.  It'll be the biggest bang for your beauty dollar!

Be sure to comment below with your reviews of other colors in the Colorburst line!

Bursting with beauty tips,

~Lisa

My First Video & Some Updates

Last Friday night, I had the pleasure of attending The Popcorn Project Video Release Party!  This is the first video I was asked to do the makeup for and was SO excited to see my name in the credits!!!!  I'm also very excited for my friends (who also happen to be the singers) KayTie and Jeni as their video goes viral.

I know I said I'd write a "What I wore" post about the evening... but alas, NONE of my close up photos came out :(  I promise that the next time I leave a teaser like that, I can deliver!  I can tell you that I spent several hours getting ready though.  My "date nights" with my hubby are way too few, and WAY too far between (the last one was in like 1997 LOL) and so I wanted to look perfect for the evening.

Here's the one and only good shot of the night

(L-R Jeni Eggers, Me, KayTie Grieser)

If you'd like to see the video (WARNING:  It'll make you laugh AND you will never get the words out of your head!!!)  you can check it out on YouTube at DancePopcornProject

And now for some updates...

My 3 kids have only been out of school for a couple days and it is already proving VERY difficult for mama to get in some computer time.  My plan to blog on a daily basis is really not on THEIR summer agenda LOL  and so.... the new plan is post 3 times a week.  Mondays will be "Off The Shelf:  Drugstore product reviews", Wednesdays will be a mish mash of things like trends and so on, and Fridays are going to be "Fr-EYE-day Fun - Eyeshadow looks".

If  you have any ideas that you would like to see or problems you want addressed, please email me!  I'm creating this blog for all of you and want to give you the content you crave!

Now... I believe mama's time on the computer is up already :(  Be on the lookout for "Off The Shelf" starting this Monday, June 6th.  Hmmmm, wondering which item I should review first...

~ Lisa

Crown Brushes - A Royal Deal!

Ok... that was a pretty bad attempt at a funny title, but Crown Brushes really are the cat's meow!

First off, let me start by saying that if you are using the brush and sponge applicators that come with your makeup... you will never (or at the very least, find it VERY difficult to ever) achieve a polished look.  You need to use brushes.  Good, quality makeup brushes.

Now, MAC makes some incredibly "magical" brushes.  But, they are pricey.  This is "Mama Does Makeup" and mama could pay the water bill for what MAC charges for one brush.  However, "if you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up." ~ Ferris Bueller.

A few years ago I caught wind of a great little company called Crown Brush.  They are based out of Indiana and I always like to keep my business in the Midwest if I can, so I gave them a shot.  WOW!!!!!  They are the best kept secret out there!!!!  They offer quality brushes for pennies on the dollar (did I say that right???), fast shipping, great customer service, and did I mention GREAT brushes????

Let's give you an example.  One of the most sought after brushes from MAC is their 217 Blending Brush which sells for $22.50.  Every Makeup Artist has at least a couple in their arsenal.  Crown Brush offers the Pro Blending Fluff (C433) for $5.49.  The brushes are almost identical!!!!!!  Are you kidding me???  No, dead serious.  I will never buy a 217 again.  I am now a Crown Brush junkie :)

Here are my top Crown Brush picks:

Any brush from their Italian Badger collection.  The quality of the hair used for the bristles is outstanding (some shed a bit... but not too bad) and the deposit the powder products onto the skin beautifully!

My "can't do makeup without them"

Italian Badger brushes include:

Flat Bronzer, $10.95

Use this for applying powder bronzer OR flawless, liquid foundation

Deluxe Crease , $2.99

Great for lid color and a smokey eye

 

Round Tapered Crease , $2.89

Perfect for applying precise crease color or REALLY smoking out the lashline

Other MUST OWN brushes:

Studio Pro - Pro Blending Fluff , $5.49

Just get one, better yet... get 2 or 3

Studio Pro Chisel Shader , $3.29

For smoking out your lash line!

Backstage - Sable Angle Liner , $2.99

For gel and liquid liners

Think those prices are exciting?  Wait, there's more!  Crown Brush offer a bulk discount too!!!!  If you spend $125 or more, you get 20% off your order.  There is a minimum order of $25 and that comes with a shipping price of only $7, but if you order $100 or more, shipping is free.  Free shipping rocks!!!  If you find it hard to choose $100 worth of brushes, get your friends to order with you or better yet, these brushes make great gifts.

Check out the Crown Brush Website 

Ok, now I'm starting to sound like a commercial for Crown Brush :)  And I am not affiliated with them in a way, shape or form.  But it would be pretty sweet if I was!  Honestly, I am in love with their brushes and I am very excited to share this find with all my friends!

Now... go getcha-self some brushes!

~ Lisa

Blue Eyeshadow (and other colors that scare you)

There was a time when the only eyeshadows I used were brown and taupe. Sure, I had a ton of other colors, but those were reserved for Halloween. Then, about 2 years ago, I discovered that color eyeshadow could be my friend. The kind of friend who shows up and brightens your day and puts a smile on your face every time you see her.

Color scares most ladies who are out of their teens and think that blue eyeshadow (ala Mimi Bobeck) isn't appropriate for a trip to WalMart or the PTO meeting. But that's where you're wrong! Blue, purple, green, even orange eye shadows can look polished and stunning with the right hues and lots of blending.

Take a look at these examples:

Teal blue with grey

Dark royal blue on lids only



Light & Medium purples for a breathtaking smokey eye

Purple and brown plums


Ok, this next one probably isn't the look you'd choose for the PTO meeting. Unless you're me (because that's how I roll) or you live in New Jersey! :D

Dark and medium greens
with black and grey to "smoke out" the eye

A BEAUTIFUL Gold and Green eye with black gel eyeliner, how sexy!

So now you know colors can be your friend too. I could post tutorials here... but why reinvent the wheel? There are 1,000's of videos on YouTube to show you color combinations and blending techniques. Just decide what color you want to try first and do a search for it on their website.

Some of my favorite drugstore colors are:
The Wet N Wild Palettes (with 6 colors)
Cover Girl Eye Enhancers shadow singles in Forever Fig, Sterling Blue, Lime Alive, and Indigo Impact
L'Oreal HIP Bright Shadow Duo in Reckless (purples) and Concentrated Shadow Duos in Lively (Dk green), Devious (olive green), and Spirit (blues... this one may be discontinued)

Not sure what color eyeshadow will work best with your eye color? Well... I say whatever color you feel comfortable in... there really are no rules! But, the book Makeup Makeovers by Robert Jones makes the following suggestions.

Blue Eyes - Rich warm browns, warm taupes, and soft peaches.
Green Eyes - Golden browns, warm taupes, deep purples, soft peaches, and soft violets.
Brown Eyes - Golden brown, blue, green, light mahogany, charcoal, and purple.
Grey Eyes - Charcoal, cool brown, and purple.

Those are great starting points, but he doesn't give too many colorful suggestions for the blue and grey eyed gals. So for those who have blue eyes, I would like to add that blues and plum-y purples will look pretty too. And if you have grey eyes... I think the colors he suggests for brown eyes will be perfect for you!

And so I challenge all my readers to step out of their comfort zone this weekend. It's springtime and time for you to blossom! Choose a new color and go for it!

I'll see you on the other side of the rainbow
~ Lisa

To Curl or Not to Curl

There is one thing, one inexpensive, EASY & QUICK thing that should be part of everyone's daily routine, but for most women... it's the one thing they skip.  Curling your eyelashes!  99.999999% of women I speak with do not curl their lashes.  These very same women also complain that they have "bad" lashes.  You may in fact have great lashes... they just need to be curled!

Would you spray starch on a shirt and not iron the wrinkles out?  Would you expect the hair on your head to magically curl on it's own if you simply put hairspray on?  No!  Then how can we expect our lashes to curl into that perfect, sultry flair with mascara alone?  They need to be curled first!

The first known patent for the eyelash curler is from 1931 & since then, women have been enjoying larger looking eyes and

a more youthful appearance!

Just look at the difference curling those lashes can make!

Lash Curling Tips

• Some curlers are better than others.  Read some great reviews on the Good Housekeeping website
• Always curl your lashes BEFORE putting on mascara.  You will gum up the curler and clump up your lashes if you do it the other way around and you risk breakage that way!
• For lashes that are stubborn and straight, try warming your curler with a hair dryer (low setting - don't burn yourself) or in your hand.  Or try one of the heated curlers.
• Hold the curler on your lashes for at least 30 seconds and re-curl if necessary.
• Lash curlers don't last forever.  They need to be replaced every year or so because they will start to go out of alignment.
• You get what you pay for....sometimes.  The high end curlers are great!  They won't need to be replaced as often and can provide you with a better curl.  However, for us everyday folks, the less expensive ones will do just fine.  E.L.F.'s eyelash curler is getting great reviews and can be purchased at Target or KMart for just a couple bucks!
• Make sure you get all your lashes in the curler.  If you have some stragglers, open the curler and reposition it to grab the rogue lashes.

Happy Curling!

~ Lisa

My First Makeup

As far back as I can remember, I've loved makeup!  My favorite coloring books had lots of pictures of girls (so I could color in some blue eyeshadow and red lipstick on them), I owned several tins of lip smakers (remember the gold tins with the sliding tops?), and I LOVED my Barbie head!  Loved, loved, LOVED my Barbie head!!!

So I was trying to take a trip down memory lane, to recall my very first cosmetic item.  I remember the Easter Bunny bringing me some crayon-like eyeshadows... or was it Santa.  I'm not sure, but I fondly remember a light lavender and a sky-blue crayon type eyeshadow stick.  I had no clue who made them or what they were actually called.

All I can say... it that the internet is an amazing place!  I went to Google and typed in "1980 crayon makeup" and a couple entries down, there they were!!!

Remco's Crayon Cosmetics!!!!  What a creative name LOL  I loved these things and after seeing the ad, I think I may have also had the red one and possibly the same rainbow sweater that really cool girl is
wearing :)

And so, my dear readers, I ask you... what was your first makeup item?

Peace, Love, and crayon shaped eyeshadow ~

Lisa

The BEST Drugstore Cosmetics!

You've heard it before... and I'll say it again... you don't need to spend a lot of money on your makeup.  Especially over the last couple years, those "over the counter" cosmetic companies have stepped up their game, and are offering some FAB-U-LOUS products at affordable prices.  I get asked for product recommendations all the time and 9 times out of 10, I recommend an item that can be picked up at Walgreens or WalMart.

Today's post is my Drugstore Top 10.  Please note, I was not paid to promote these items, I bought them with my own money... and MOST IMPORTANTLY... these are actually items I use on a regular basis!  I had a hard time narrowing the list down to 10 and so within the next couple weeks, you'll probably see another Top 10, along side a "Top 10 Skincare" post.

And my FAVORITE drugstore products are:

1.  Revlon Colorstay Oil-Free Foundation

This stuff covers JUST AS GOOD as the crazy-expensive foundations out there and because this formula is oil-free, it won't cause breakouts!  Offers full coverage and won't "white out" your face in photos because the SPF is only around 6 in this stuff.  Note to buyers:  I hear complaints that this product is too thick and dries too fast.  You must apply this foundation with either a damp sponge or a foundation brush like this one Crown Brush - Flat Bronzer  You'll be amazed at the finish!

2.  L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara, Carbon Black

Be prepared for lashes so thick, they'll look fake.  I've tried A LOT of mascaras and this is the one I always go back to!  If you are looking for a "light" mascara, skip this one by because it gives lashes fullness and drama with a very intense black pigment.

3.  Revlon Colorstay Lipliner in Nude

I've been using this mechanical lipliner since it first launched.  It is the perfect pinky/nude color that blends with both taupe and pink shades of lipstick.  The best part?  It lasts forever!

4.  Wet N Wild Color Icon Singles and Palettes

Yes, you read that correctly, Wet N Wild has produced some incredible eyeshadow for DIRT CHEAP!!!  The internet is all a-buzz at how heavily pigmented these shadows, meaning a little bit goes a long way with these babies!  Top palette is called Lust and it's the steel gray color that's my favorite here.  The second palette is called Vanity and it's full of some beautiful neutrals and rich browns.  The single shadow in the photo above is such a bargain it should be outlawed.  Nutty is an incredibly pigmented, frosty, metallic, taupe.  Not kidding, this stuff is as beautiful as some of my Urban Decay colors and it lasts just as long!  And FYI, Kmart has Wet N Wild on sale as a "Buy one, get one FREE" right now... go shop!

5.  Hard Candy Glamoflauge Concealer (at Walmart)

It took me FOREVER to find a heavy concealer at a rock-bottom price.  Enter Hard Candy's Glamoflauge.  I read a couple reviews online and since I'm in Walmart every other day, I picked up a tube of the light.  This is a set that comes with a cream concealer in a tube and a pencil concealer.  The pencil is perfect for thin scars or veins.  Ok ladies, this stuff should have been called THE BOMB!  It covers everything and lasts all day.  Remember, it's a very heavy concealer so pat it on with you fingers or sponge lightly or you'll get all cakey.  If you want cakey... go down to aisle 12, that's where the baking stuff is!  LOL

6.  L'Oreal Infallible Lipgloss

Another great product from this company.  My favorite is the Petal color above.  This is the perfect lipgloss... not to thick, not too thin, and it stays on & in place all day.  The colors are not totally transparent and I believe that all them are frosted.  These look good on their own and really pretty over lipstick.  Oh, and the doe-foot applicator has a cool shape that hugs your lips... bonus!

7.  Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick

Now I love all the lip products that Rimmel makes, but this my favorite lipstick by them and my favorite color is Airy Fairy (a frosty/sheer pink).  These colors last all day and aren't drying.  They do have a sort of fruity smell and taste but it's one I can live with.

8.  Maybelline Eye Studio Gel Liner
An eyeliner that stays on for 24 hrs?  Count me in!  I was a devotee of L'Oreal's Gel Liner until I tried this one a couple weeks ago.  It's heavily pigmented, stays on until you take it off, and it's under $5.  You can't beat that with a stick!  Tip: toss the brush it comes with and invest in a better quality angled liner brush.  The longer handle makes application a lot easier!

9.  Rimmel Natural Bronzer

As a bronzer, blush, or contouring powder... this stuff rocks!  Honestly one of the most natural colored bronzers on the drugstore shelves right now.  You can get this product with or without a shimmer.  For all over, daytime wear, choose the NO shimmer.  Save the shimmer for summer nights and weddings... and don't over do it or you'll look like a tan version of Edward Cullens as you glitter in the moonlight!

10.  N.Y.C. Smooth Skin Loose Powder

Unless you are going for a "dewy look", you'll need to matify and set your foundation with a loose powder.  Just about every company has one on the market.  For around $3... this gets the job done!  Get the translucent shade as it will work without adding additional color to the skin.

Drugstore Shopping Tips

• All of the above items can be found at Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, and/or KMart (except for Hard Candy which is only at Wally World).  Look at the weekly ads for these stores to get the best sales prices.  And heads up:  Walmart honors competitive store prices now!

• Google before you go!!!!  98% of the time, there is a coupon out there for many of the drugstore cosmetic items.  Go to one of the search engines and type in something like "Revlon Colorstay Foundation Coupon 2011" to get the links.  Also sign up on the manufacturer's websites and FB pages for exclusive coupons.  Final note for Walgreens shoppers - Checkout in their beauty department!  That cashier has STACKS of manufacturer issued coupons behind that register... YAY!  Ask them if they have any coupons for the items you're buying before they ring you up.  Pair up coupons + weekly sales and that's how you get the real deals!

• Give it the once over.  Make sure all the products you are purchasing are sealed!!!!!  Because the stock is open to the public... the public feels free to open stuff up!  So, check to make sure that package seals are sealed and if there isn't a seal, open the product up at the checkout counter before the cashier rings it up.

• Go into the light.  When trying to match up your foundation shade or check the shade of a lipstick, take it by the windows of the store to check the hue in natural lighting.  Trust me... colors can change dramatically when they leave the florescent lit shop floor.

• Finally, return it if it doesn't work for you.  I'm not a big "returner" due to laziness LOL  But, all these stores will take back an opened item if you have the receipt.  So buy it, try it and if you don't like it... return it. 

• Pay it forward.  Chances are pretty good that you will run into other people sifting through the makeup aisle too.  Offer your new found knowledge.  If they shag you off... it's their loss.  But you'd be surprised at how many people welcome your advice on what products are good and what to stay away from.  You are doing them a favor by saving them time and money.

So what's your favorite drugstore cosmetic item?

Post it in the comment section below

and let's learn from each other!

~ Lisa B.

Red HOT Chili... nails!

So I saw this ad in a recent copy of People Style Watch.  At first it was Jessica Alba's eyeshadow that caught my eye.  It reminded me of a muted version of Olivia's (from Jerseylicious) eyes.  Think it's too much to wear to my son's music recital tonight?  LOL

After taking my eyes away from the model's eyes, I fell in LOVE with that reddish orange nail color.  I had to have it.  Nail polishes are like shoes... and purses... and lipglosses.... you can never have too many!  The fact that it was a new color in their 60 Second dry line was just icing on the cake!

Off to Walmart this morning and $4.50 later, I have Chili nails.  Did I mention that the name of the color is Chili???

Nevermind the rough paint job... I never said I could be a hand model :)

I'm giving this color a thumbs up!  The color went on easy, dried fast, covered in one coat, and will make you feel saucy!  If you want a true example of the color, get out the kids crayons.  Its a hair lighter than the red-orange crayon.... which they've probably renamed by now, but you remember which one it is!

This color is AWESOME on short nails.  It's also a great toenail color for the summer and it's going to look extra sharp with white, black, and even brown strappy sandals.


Happy Painting ~

Lisa

And then there was light...

Hello.  My name is Lisa and I am a NON-recovering makeup-a-holic.  Seriously, I know more about cosmetics than I care to admit.  I recently decided to put my knowledge and talent to work for me and began freelancing as a Makeup Artist.  I'M IN HEAVEN!!!!!  By far, the most rewarding job I've ever had!  The reactions my clients have when they see themselves make my heart flutter.  I am so happy to be able to teach them a few tricks and give them a little boost of confidence along the way.  Makeup is like Red Bull for your ego.

So... when I launched my business, many of my out of state friends hollered "What about me???".  I feel so loved!  I promised a YouTube channel so that I could share information with those far away, then I realized that I have no clue how to edit videos.  But I can type!  And so this blog was born.

Mama Does Makeup is not a sales site for my makeup business.  No siree Bob!  It will be a beauty blog with tips, product reviews, tutorials and the like.  There are billions of beauty blogs out there already and so I am going try my best to make this one different.  With that in mind... I offer the following promises:

The goal of this blog is help moms (and those who are aging gracefully) look and feel their best.  I vow to honestly take you from soccer mom to siren.

I promise to make you laugh.... because that's what I like to do :D  At this point, I'm pretty darn sure that you will not see too many, if any, serious blog posts on here.  Life is short... laugh all the way.

I will do the work for you.  Did I mention that I love makeup?  Yeah... so I'll find the good products out there for you.  I will review them and let you know if they're any good.  I have a lot of knowledge of ingredients... so I know what I'm looking for.  And being a mom of 3... you can bet that I'm going to get you the BIGGEST BANG for you buck! 

And finally...
I want to hear from you!!!!  Please, let me know what looks you want to see, what problems you want solved, etc.  This blog is here because of you and FOR you.  Oh... and don't forget to subscribe!!!!  Eventually we'll have contests with some great prizes, and you don't want to miss out!

So, I should probably write my first 'official' post now.  Let's get this show on the road ladies!

Peace, Love, & Lipstick,

Lisa B.