Product Review: Starcrushed Minerals Foundation in Alabaster

Hi fellow Glamour Ninjas, 

Today I am posting a long overdue review of Starcrushed Minerals mineral powder foundation in the shade "Alabaster". 

I got a random message on Etsy a while ago from the owner/creator of this makeup line with a "grand opening" sale offer, and I love supporting indie brands, so I thought I'd check out a few products. I ordered two small foundations (Alabaster and Almond, not shown) and a couple eyeshadows (separate review coming later). These are all loose mineral powder products and are handmade by the store owner. Prices were very reasonable, especially with the discount she sent me. Foundations are US$9.00 regularly, $4.50 on sale.

At the time of this post, there is a different 50% off sale running at her shop if you're interested. No code is required.

The ingredients for the Alabaster foundation are:

sericite mica, titanium dioxide, magnesium stearate, zinc oxide, kaolin clay, micas, oxides.

Pretty standard stuff for a mineral foundation, also note it's talc-free. You will get some sun protection with this foundation because of the titanium and zinc oxides, which are physical sunblocks, but due to US law, they can't state a specific SPF without a lot of expensive testing. This product is cruelty free and vegan, but I'm not sure all products in her line are, so you will want to check the ingredients list or message her for details if you are concerned.

So now to the review details:

I have to say, this is the weirdest mineral foundation I have ever tried. First of all the color is just... grey and strange looking in the jar. Sometimes you get this with very pale foundations though (and Asian BB creams) so I didn't freak out too much. Then I swatched it: 

And it still looked weird. As you can see in the middle pane where it says "heavy swatch", the color is almost a greyish brown on my skin (I'm a MAC NW/NC 15). Not at all what I was expecting for a shade called "Alabaster". 

Ok, so still not freaking out, maybe it just needed buffed in to look right, as I know some mineral foundations do need this. So I tried buffing it in with my Real Techniques Expert Face Brush.

Aaaaaaand then it turned all dark and splotchy as you can see in the third pane above. See how it's darker and blotchy near the top of the swatch? It also had some sparkle show up in it, so not only is it muddy and uneven, but it sparkles. A lot. WTH?? The more I buffed, the worse it got. I'm just guessing here, but was like the pigments weren't dispersed evenly in the foundation or something. I also tried applying it wet and with a MAC 190 foundation brush. Some parts were way darker than others and no matter what I did, I couldn't get it to even out. And the shimmer on top of it all made me basically look like Edward Cullen with a big ugly bruise.

So, huge fail. I had the same experience with the shade "Almond", which I had purchased thinking I could use it as a contour. 


Formula-wise this foundation had good adhesion and would probably be good at absorbing oil for oilier skins, but I just can't get over the color problems and the amount of sparkle in it. I'm not sure if I just got a rough batch or what, but in my opinion, these are totally un-usable as a foundation. I'm probably just going to toss them in the garbage unless I can find a way to use them for dirty, splotchy glittery zombie makeup since Halloween is fairly soon?

Makeup Grade: F

I kind of hate posting negative reviews, but I feel like I have to be honest. Stay tuned for a review of their mineral eyeshadows coming soon - it's much more positive!

If you want to try a really good indie mineral foundation, check out Meow Cosmetics - their color range and formulas are really impressive and they offer very reasonable samples so you can make sure to get the right color match for your skin. 

Have you ever encountered anything like this with a mineral foundation? If you've had a different experience with this brand/product, please leave me a comment. Am I doing something wrong with it?  

FTC Disclaimer: I bought these products with my own money. Some products linked may have affiliate links. My opinions are always my own.

Chapped Lips Mystery Solved

So this is not a big deal, but every since winter, I've been dealing with constantly chapped lips. I know you're not supposed to lick them, and I cut out using anything with mint in it because I know I can be sensitive to that, but STILL chapped lips. It was bad enough I hadn't even worn lipstick in months because it looked like crap when I did.

Eww, right?
[Photo credit]

I thought maybe it had something to do with me wearing Invisalign and had pretty much given up and decided to live with it when I stumbled across some information linking toothpaste ingredients to chapped lips.

EUREKA!

Since getting the Invisalign, I've been brushing my teeth like 4 times more often daily because you have to brush every time you eat or drink something (other than water). Normally, brushing a normal amount, my toothpaste wasn't an issue, but suddenly being exposed to it more was irritating my lips.

Solution: I bought some toothpaste called Squigle. Stupid name, I know, but it has no SLS (sodium laureth sulfate - same thing you want to avoid in shampoos if you have colored hair) and doesn't use some other ingredients that can be irritating also.

After using the new toothpaste faithfully for over a week now, I think I can confidently say my lips are on the mend finally.

I am looking forward to rocking a bright summer lip soon!

[Photo credit] 

Want more? I'm on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and soon YouTube!:


Twitter: @ninjaGlamour
Instagram: ninjaGlamourMUA
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http://www.youtube.com/ninjaglamour

Unboxing: BeautyBox5 July 2013

Welp, sorry to say it, but BeautyBox5 was a bummer again this month. I am definitely not going to resubscribe after my 3 mo trial is over*. 

THIS month (July 2013), I got a full-size "Made in China" rebranded bright red lipgloss (Be A Bombshell, shade is "hot mess" 3g size), $1 worth of antibaterial wipes (LA Fresh, 8ct), 2 nail polish remover wipes (srsly, wth?), a foot pumice stone (already have two) and a deluxe face serum sample.

BeautyBox5 says the lipgloss is worth $14 retail, but it's exactly the same thing you see on eBay from China retailing for ~$1 ea. The formula is unscented and unflavored. It doesn't seem terribly pigmented, but the swatch did stain my hand slightly - guessing this is due to the D&C Red dye in the ingredients. I wouldn't ever purchase this product for myself because cosmetics made in China are NOT cruelty-free. China actually *requires* animal testing, booooo.

The foot pumice retails for $8.99. I already have two of these, but I guess I could replace one of them with this one and call it "for sanitary reasons". I usually pay way less than $8.99 for these, so wondering if the higher price means this product has some special feature? It's pink, btw, which some people might love - my other ones are gray and not so cute. 

The full size of the serum (.85fl oz) is supposedly $158, which I'd never pay anyhow. The sample is .25fl oz, so if I have my mathstimate correct, that's about $45 worth of product by their reckoning. I guess if you were really into the face serum then this month's box would be totally worth it, but I'm really not crazy about skincare samples because you never get enough to know if the product works or not anyhow. The serum claims results after 28 days, but the sample isn't going to last that long, so.....?

Oh, there was also a $10 off coupon for MyNameNecklace.com, which I will never use. They do have items as low as about $20 on their site, so this coupon could save you about 50% on some items. If you're interested, coupon code is GIFTBOX and is valid until September 1, 2013. This is not a unique code and I have no affiliation with the company.

Will post photos of the items if anyone is interested, just leave me a comment.

Do you have beauty subscriptions you actually like? What are they? I could seriously use some pointers because my luck has been horrible. Only one I have liked so far is Ipsy**, despite them getting a rocky start originally with the GlamBag.


Want more? I'm on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and soon YouTube!:

• Twitter: @ninjaGlamour
• Instagram: ninjaGlamourMUA
• http://www.facebook.com/ninjaGlamour
• http://www.youtube.com/ninjaglamour

*Disclaimer: I purchased the BeautyBox5 subscription with my own money. No compensation is being granted for reviews.

**Affiliate link

Q&A: Should I put foundation down my neck as well as on my face?

Today's Q&A received from a Facebook fan:

Q: "Should you put foundation all over your neck as well?"

A: In my opinion, only in certain situations:

1. If your face and your neck are naturally very different colors. In some cases, fake tan can help here better than foundation though. Dusting on a bit of bronzer on your neck with a fluffy brush is also an option if your neck is a lot lighter than your face.
2. If you are wearing something with an exposed neckline and you tend to get red/blotchy in that area (like me). Just be sure to use a transfer-resistant formula so it doesn't get on your clothes.

Otherwise, your foundation should be a good enough match that it's not necessary to carry it down your neck. Foundation should be tested on your jawline to make sure it matches both areas fairly well, and blended well around the jawline so you don't have the dreaded "foundation mask". 

Hope that helps and I'd be happy to go shopping with any of my local clients if you're having trouble matching! I totally don't trust the sales clerks since they've sold me the wrong color SO many times. I don't sell makeup, so I have no incentive to give anything other than an honest opinion. :)

EOTD: Bronze winged liner

Bronze Winged Liner EOTD

Quick look at EOTD of my bronze winged liner today, using 8-bit Cosmetics' "Brassy Bits Bronze" over Avon Glimmersticks waterproof eye liner in "Copper".  

On the lower waterline is Rimmel London's ScandalEyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal in "Nude". Upper waterline is tightlined with MAC's Technakohl liner in "Photogravure". In the crease is a teensy bit of Coastal Scents' "Sequoia" loose eyeshadow.

Mascara is Avon's new "Super Drama" in Black on upper lashes only. Brows are filled in with Avon's Glimmersticks Brow Definer in "Blonde". No concealer on face, just Skin79 Intense Classic Balm, set with MAC's Studio Fix in N4.

I'm kinda liking how simple and dramatic this is. What's your go-to quick look?

EOTD: Wearable Mardi Gras

Just a quick peek at the eye look I wore Tuesday in honor of Mardi Gras, using traditional Mardi Gras colors of green, purple and gold. I wanted to do something festive, but wearable. I would totally wear this look to the grocery store or out for a casual dinner.

Please ignore my crazy brows, I'm still trying to grow them
back in and haven't been allowed to pluck them at all!

I used products from MeowCosmetics and Aromaleigh for this look. On the lid is Meow's "Lace Lingerie", which is a really pretty luminous purple. I blended that up into the crease a little bit, and highlighted the browbone by buffing on Meow's golden "Sun Island" (sorry both are LE but Meow brings them back from time to time - check their website or sign up for their mailing list). On the lower lashline, I used Aromaleigh's pale green "Event Horizon", which sadly appears to be discontinued.

What did you do for Mardi Gras? 

New Series Idea: New Ways to Use Stuff You Probably Already Have

Ever feel like this is your life?

I know none of us have unlimited funds with which to feed our beauty obsessions, so I'm a big fan of multi-tasking products. Many major cosmetics lines have products specifically labeled as multi-tasking, but you really can take any product you already have and probably use it in new ways.

With that in mind, I'm planning on writing a new series of tips and tricks showing new ways to use products you probably already have, so that you can get the most out of each beauty dollar you spend!

If you have products in particular that you want to get more use out of, let me know in the comments anytime and I'll be sure to work them in.

Just a sneak peek at some of the topics:

• You can also do WHAT with lube?
• Eyeshadow, not just for eyes anymore
• Frankenpolish - it lives!
• Take a powder - and do this with it
• Brows on budget

Stay tuned and hope you enjoy!

EOTD: Valentine's Day "Pink Chocolate"

Just a quick peek at the look I did for Valentine's Day today. We're not going out, so I didn't do anything too fancy.

Yes, it's those brows again. Still.

For this look I used the Too Faced Love Sweet Love palette (LE and kind of disappointing) and the Beijing Go Palette from Coastal Scents (surprisingly good for the low price). The green liner and bronze mascara are products I am testing from an Etsy seller.

What are you doing for Valentine's Day?

Quick Review: Skin 79 Snail Nutrition BB Cream

So I got some free samples with a recent order, and some of those samples were for a Skin79 BB cream I hadn't tried before: Snail Nutrition. I went searching online to see what this "snail" thing was all about and found this:

• Enriched Snail Secretion Filtrate with self protecting properties maintains the skin natural and healthy.
• Protecting the skin from both UV A and B, the tri-functional snail BB cream brightens the dark and dull skin tone, and maintains the skin clean and supple with its whitening and wrinkle-improving effects.
• Containing 45% of the Korean Snail Secretion Filtrate, it bestows sleek and lustrous texture to the skin by preventing skin damages, and keeps the skin moist and healthy by forming moist protection layer.
• With soft and moisture texture it is easily absorbed into and blends well with the skin, maintaining the skin transparent and bright for a long period of time.

Wait, what? Snail secretions??? I suppose people have tried stranger things in the name of beauty, so I went ahead and opened a packet to try.

First thing I noticed was the scent - it's strong. It's not gross or "snail-y", it's perfumey and it lasted a long time. I've had it on for hours and can still smell it. It's not entirely unpleasant, but I prefer unscented products as fragrance is usually a major irritant.

The consistency was not quite as thick as most of Skin79's other BB creams. The color was very pale, with the same slight grayish cast that you sometimes get with Asian BB creams. Being really pale, I happen to like that aspect and think it matches my skin better than something that is overtly pinkish or yellowish, but if you have a strong undertone to your skin, it may not match very well. 

It blended nicely with fingers, didn't sink into my pores, and evened out my skin tone pretty well. I would call it a light to medium coverage, and it's somewhat buildable. It felt very moist and stayed dewy, so if you have less than my uberdry skin, you may want to use powder or a setting spray over it.

A few hours later, something odd happened. My face felt tight. I didn't see anywhere in the product info I could find where this product was specifically supposed to have tightening properties ("moist protection layer"?), but I swear it sure felt like it - like when you use a gel product and it dries and shrinks up just a bit. It wasn't dramatic or uncomfortable or anything, just unexpected. I can't say that I actually *saw* any evidence of tightening, but I sure felt something. Could just be that my skin is dry again - I'm having a horrible time with it this winter.

I probably won't continue to test this product beyond the original sample packet (I used maybe a third of it to do my entire face) just because of the scent, but overall I think it's a nice product. It's very affordable, a little goes a long way, and if you are pale and don't mind the fragrance, it might just be worth trying. I have some samples you can have lol. If you want to buy it, it's available online at Amazon for about $20US for 40g or there are smaller sizes (15g) and deluxe samples ($4+shipping) for sale also.

Have you tried this product? What do you think of it? What's your favorite BB cream?

Warm versus Cool colors in foundation

This is an excellent explanation of warm/cool colors with the aid of a color wheel. This is how artists see and describe color:

Open Letter to MAC Phoenix Store - bad service!

I sent this yesterday after MAC responded to my post on their Facebook page:

Hi MAC,

I am a freelance makeup artist, and have been a MAC pro member for awhile now. Unfortunately, I do not live within 5 hours of a MAC store where I can shop in person, so I was super excited to see that there were a couple MAC stores in Phoenix, which I would be passing through on my honeymoon last week. 

My husband was sweet/tolerant enough to take me to the Biltmore Fashion Park Store in 100+ degree heat so I could actually buy some products for my kit in person rather than always having to order online. This was a big highlight for me and he was excited to spend some money on me to spoil me for our honeymoon.

I had forgotten my MAC pro card at home, but I had my pro number which I looked up online (xxxxxxxxxx), and was ready to present that as proof of my membership. Unfortunately, when I asked a MAC rep at the store, she bluntly told me "sorry, we need the actual card" and that was the end of the discussion. No explanation. She wouldn't even *look* at my membership number to verify it, or let me prove to her I was a member by logging on to the MACpro website on my mobile. No card, no deal.

I was so disappointed and shocked, we left immediately. Hubby was upset that they'd treated me so carelessly and quite honestly I felt like I wanted to cry. I've been a loyal MAC fan and pro user for a long time, and to be treated like I was a nobody and a nuisance, when I had taken time out of my *honeymoon* to go there and had intended to spend hundreds of dollars on products, really hurt.

Thank you for responding to my post on Facebook. I hope the staff at this store can improve their customer service for the good of the brand.

Sincerely,

Alycen Treloar

NinjaGlamour Beauty

UPDATE: MAC never responded to my email, not even an autoresponder. :(

Know your Eye Shape

Seems like a simple thing, but knowing your eye shape can make all the difference in crafting a flattering look versus one that's just meh.

Reblogged from: http://www.beautylish.com/a/vcacj/whats-your-eye-shape

Eye Shapes

Determining your natural eye shape is just as important as finding the most flattering colors for your lids. Knowing how to apply eye shadow and liner will help you better translate trends and techniques to fit your face. We turned to makeup guru Jeffrey Paul (who has worked with Christina Applegate and Zooey Deschanel) to discover tricks for each specific eye shape—so you can make the most of your peepers!


Read more...

Some great tutorials on eye shape:

http://www.youtube.com/user/pixiwoo/videos?query=hooded

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ks95VNxckAo&feature=plcp

How to Speak Lipstick-ese

Reblogged from: http://www.beautylish.com/a/vcawy/a-lesson-in-lipstick-lingo

A Lesson in Lipstick Lingo

Suede, silk, satin—we’re talking lipstick, Beauties, not fashion. With new technology and product formulations, lip color is available in a wide array of textures and finishes. But with so much selection, how do you choose the right coating of color for you? We break down common lip color lingo so you can paint on the pretty pout you want.

MATTE

Lip pigments with a matte texture appear dull and flat on the skin, with no shine at all. Similar formulas termed “suede” or “velvet” have the same lackluster finish, but appear more powdery on lips than smooth. Typically, these formulas are extremely dense in pigment and have wonderful durability, but they may dry lips out without a balm or primer underneath.

Beautylish recommends: NARS Pure Matte Lipstick

SATIN

Silky satin formulas are similar in color payoff to matte lipsticks, but are formulated with an emollient base of oils and butters. Because of the slip-factor, they have medium staying power—a couple of hours without food or drink. Available in solid swivel-tube and as a dense liquid lip color with wand applicator, they’re the most comfortable pigment-heavy formula for daily wear.

Beautylish recommends: Revlon ColorBurst Lip Color

SHIMMER

Frosty or shimmering lip colors are formulated with special micas designed to impart an iridescent, organza-like finish to the lips. Glimmering pigment adds luster to a flat surface like lip gloss, but relies on solely on actual flecks of shimmer—not sticky gloss—for the sheen. We recommend a translucent layer for the classiest daytime radiance.

Beautylish recommends: Bobbi Brown Metallic Lip Color

BUTTER

Not quite a gloss nor a satin lipstick, tinted lip butters provide ample, high-shine coverage from a tube. These pigmented, travel-friendly shine alternatives won't leak in your purse as lip gloss can, and nourishing ingredients hydrate your lips all day. Unfortunately, their moisturizing formula doesn't bode well for longevity.

Beautylish recommends: Clinique Colour Surge Butter Shine Lipstick

SPECIAL EFFECTS

Zany, textured lips aren’t exactly the office beauty standard, but companies are beginning to develop innovative new finishes that break out of the mold and appeal to a more youthful, experimental generation. Appliques, temporary tattoos, and tar-like rainbow finishes—what’ll they think of next?

Matte Blushes to Try

I don't know about you, but I'm usually shiny enough in the summer that I don't want to add anything else shimmery on my face - bring on the matte blush (and bronzer). Matte blush is great for warm weather when you may be already looking a bit *dewy*, or for anyone with any skin issues like acne or large pores, because shimmer accentuates these problems.

Reblogged from Temptalia, here are some Matte Blushes to Try this season:

5 Fantastic Matte Blushes to Try

I’ve had several requests to share some more matte finishes in the 5 Ways posts, so I thought blushes might be a nice way to go!

1. Tarte Blissful — vibrant coral
2. NARS Exhibit A — rich orange
3. MAC Mocha — dirty plum pink
4. Tarte Exposed — neutral beige with pink undertones
5. Burberry Tangerine — neutral brown-tangerine

16 Ways to Look Younger With Makeup

With the right tricks, turning back the clock can be as simple as opening your makeup bag.

http://www.allure.com/makeup-looks/anti-aging-makeup/2012/16-anti-aging-makeup-tricks#slide=1

The Truth About Cleaning Your Makeup

As I learn to be a professional makeup artist, I'm learning a lot about sanitation and cross-contamination that never really occurred to me when I was the only one using my makeup. I use 90%+ rubbing alcohol, which is hospital grade, to sanitize my makeup, my brushes (don't forget the handles!), my work area. Dries superfast, and even brushes that have been swirled in it are ready to go again in mere minutes. There are other products out there, but this one is really super affordable and gets the job done. Just don't ever spray where you can get it in your, or your client's, eyes or face. It burns!!!

Tips to make this DIY technique work well:

1. Get a misting bottle that produces a very fine mist
2. Use just one spritz on your makeup and don't saturate it
3. Wait 10 seconds for the alcohol to do its job before closing compacts or you could have condensation (which is bad for makeup).
4. If you are sanitizing a surface, wait 10 seconds and then wipe down with a soft paper towel.
5. Make your own sanitizing wipes by spritzing a tissue or paper towel or cotton pad with the alcohol and using it to wipe off compacts, lipsticks, pencil tips, etc. You don't need to buy a special product for this.

Below reblogged from: http://www.beautylish.com/a/vcgrv/the-truth-about-cleaning-your-makeup

Ever wondered why your skin is breaking out or why you have a cold sore? It could be your makeup! Dirty products (not just brushes) can cause a whole heap of skin problems and disease such as blemishes, conjunctivitis, and even cold sores! "When you think about it, you wouldn't use the same fork all week without washing it, would you? The same thing goes with your makeup," says founder of Beauty So Clean, Nancy Crossley. Nancy began Beauty So Clean after years of working as a makeup artist and noticing that there were no quick, easy ways to sanitize beauty products and brushes while on the job.

"Cleaning all of your products after every use is essential, especially those that are near your mouth and eyes, and those that you use regularly,” says Nancy. "Mascara, eye liner, and eye shadow can all transfer disease such as conjunctivitis, and lipstick and gloss can carry around old food remnants—and who wants a bout of E. coli on their lips?" It's also important to keep everyday beauty must-haves such as foundation clean, too. "If you're applying foundation—or any product—with your fingers, wash your hands before and after use" explains Nancy. "These products spread bacteria like crazy, and are often the biggest cause of acne!" Regularly cleaning your products also increases their lifespan. "By ensuring that no nasty bacteria is eating away at your favorite lipstick, it will definitely last longer," explains Nancy.

Ultimate Tweezer Guide

I know some of us can get a little happy with the tweezers and then end up regretting and regrowing - here's a guide to help get the perfect tweeze. Reblogged from http://www.beautylish.com/a/vcaia/the-ultimate-tweezer-guide

Brows are a big deal. Structure, dimension, expression—they're the framework for your face! To keep up daily arch appearances, most Beauties resort to plucking in lieu of waxing or threading. So, we've decided to focus on the most popular brow hair remover: tweezers. Can you honestly say you've ever met any Beauty (man or woman!) without a pair in their stash? "Tweezers are one of the best beauty investments you'll ever make," says Benefit Cosmetics Global Brow expert Hilary Foote. The self-professed Arch Empress swears by her Tweezerman's, and earned her royal title tweezing over 15,000 pairs of brows in 2011 alone! We sat down with Hilary for a little tweezer talk.

Read the whole article at:  http://www.beautylish.com/a/vcaia/the-ultimate-tweezer-guide

The Science Behind Longwearing Lip Color

I'm such a science nerd, this article totally appealed to me because I always want to know WHY things work.

reblogged from: http://www.beautylish.com/a/vcgpv/the-science-behind-long-wearing-lip-color

We all want our lip color to stay put from application to removal, but there’s always a compromise: A hydrating payoff that’s gone after a few hours, or in the case of long-wearing lip color—an ultra-dry pout. Products designed for heavy-duty lip wear come in multiple water- and polymer-based delivery systems, but the drying effects are nonetheless felt after a couple of hours. “Water-based formulas use water-soluble dyes to stain the lips, while two-step products—a base color with a clear top coat—use polymer films to fix and seal the color,” explains cosmetic chemist Nick Morante. Unfortunately, these films have the tendency to harden and stiffen on your lips after awhile. The concept of a day-to-evening lip color has been around for almost a century, but why do so many formulas continue to dry out lips?

“Some ingredients in long-wearing lipsticks are hygroscopic, meaning they attract and absorb water or moisture,” explains Nick. “While this attribute is desirable to maintain hydration in the product, an ingredient can over-absorb moisture from the lips if it’s too hygroscopic.” What actually happens on your pucker? The coating of product creates an occlusive film which traps moisture in, much like Vaseline, but doesn’t allow any moisture to enter—called transepidermal water loss. “High levels of the actual staining pigments tend to dry out lips as well,” reveals Nick. “Over time, lips may feel dryer with a high pigment load on the lips, so it’s wise to alternate with sheer or low-pigment products to help retain moisture.”

Realistically, technology hasn’t created a truly long-lasting lip color that everyone will love. But if you’re searching for a comfortable formula for a special occasion, look for lip products (either in solid stick or liquid form) which contain silicas and silicone polymers or Acrylates Copolymers—”usually lengthy names with ‘-sil’ somewhere in them,” adds Nick. From a color standpoint, look for pigments such as Red 22, Red 28, and Orange 5, which actually stain the lips in varying shades of red or pink. “The color stays long after the actual lip product has worn off because of the slightly acidic pH of lip moisture.”

Eyeliner 101

Reblogged from: http://www.beautylish.com/a/vcgri/eye-liner-defined

EYELINER 101

It's no secret that eye liner is one of the best things invented, ever. Originally worn by the Egyptians way back when, the black stuff has gone through countless iterations (and myriad colors!), and is now available in almost every medium imaginable. It's easy to see why beginners and buffs alike still have problems choosing their ideal liner, and every formula has its own merits and downfalls to consider. If you’re stumped and don’t know how to embrace the world of eye definers, scan our guide to the basics first.

CAKE

One of the first commercially viable formulas available, cake eye liners are solid, water-activated pigment blocks housed in shallow tins. The thin, watery texture applies like face paint, producing soft, yet crisp lines for a vintage feel.

BEAUTYLISH RECOMMENDS:

laura mercier caviar eye liner in black

PENCIL

The most portable, travel-friendly option, pencil eye liner produces soft definition appropriate for the office. The formula makes lining your waterline an easy feat, too! The con? For precise application, you must always sharpen the tip.

BEAUTYLISH RECOMMENDS:

urban decay 24/7 glide-on eye pencil in underground

CREAM/GEL

Considered a modern staple, cream and gel liners are emollient jars of pigment made for today's heavy-duty wear. Designed with durability in mind, these wonder pots are available in every shade of the spectrum, and produce a wide array of line weights depending on your brush and technique.

BEAUTYLISH RECOMMENDS:

tarte emphaseyes amazonian clay waterproof liner in indigo

GLITTER

If you're looking for the shock and punch of sparkle without a potential mess, try a shimmering eye liner. Available in pencil, liquid, and gel form, twinkling particles immersed in ample pigment deliver a high dose of glister—without the glitter bomb!

BEAUTYLISH RECOMMENDS:

nyx cosmetics liquid crystal liner in crystal gold

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LIQUID

From fairy wings to curlicues, liquid eye liner is truly the makeup artist’s paint brush. Designed for a confident, steady hand, liquid liner imparts a sharp, rich color payoff in one flick. Lasting power is decent too, depending on the formula you choose. Go vintage glam or wild and crazy with this selection!

BEAUTYLISH RECOMMENDS:

lorac front of the line pro in black

POWDER/KOHL

The softest of the bunch, powder eye liner is used to achieve a subtle, smoky effect when smudged into the lash line. A great choice for makeup novices, application is virtually goof-proof (any dark eye shadow will do!). For a more sultry finish, try kohl powders! Loose pigment pairs with a special thin plastic applicator, creating an intense shape along the lash line and waterline. Beware; powder formulas tend to slide off of oily lids, so always prime before you line!

BEAUTYLISH RECOMMENDS:

guerlain terracotta loose powder kohl liner in brun 2