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