M·A·C Brow Set

I decided to give in and try Brow Set from M·A·C and now I am totally into it. You apply the gel using a wand and instantly you have a perfectly defined and bold brow, what's not to be into about that?

New In: Lancôme Powder Foundation & Mascara

I know it's a little late in the season to be picking up essentials like powder foundation for dry winter months but better late then never right? New in: Lancôme's 'Dual Finish' Versatile Powder Makeup and Hypnose Doll Lashes Mascara.

•I like the powder foundation a lot because it can be used with either a wet sponge or a dry puff, which allows for a variety of options in terms of how much coverage you want.

•The mascara works well because of the wand, which is round at the base and gets thinner as it reaches the top. It really does give you doll like lashes.

I recommend trying either of these products if you are looking for a new mascara or powder foundation.

Mac False Lashes Extreme Black and Liquidlast Liner

For some reason, whenever people take my portrait, in order to make myself more relaxed I always make a concerned looking facial expression at first. It is probably the opposite of what you should do when you are trying to relax your face but it makes me smile every time. Either way, the reason for the close up shot/the strange expression/the oddly photoshopped image (Thank you Jordan), is to show you how well M·A·C's False Lashes Extreme Black mascara and Liquidlast Liner work. I recommend both products, especially the liquid eye liner, the brush allows for an easy and precise application.

New In

I decided to try a new type of mascara as well as a new liquid eyeliner, I wanted one with a brush instead of a sponge tip. I picked up False Lashes Extreme Black mascara as well as Liquidlast Liner, both are from M·A·C.

Makeup Essentials of the Moment

Jordan and I spent the afternoon wandering around in town and unfortunately it was too cold to get an outfit picture while we were outside. To make up for it, I thought I would post some pictures that were taken over winter break. I did not include them in previous posts because usually I am a little nervous about close ups and end up not including them. Also, I do not wear much jewelry so close ups for detail shots are not often necessary. Either way, I think these pictures show the makeup that I have been wearing lately, which makes them relevant! My makeup is a mixture of mostly these products (I do not wear them all at once!):

1. I usually wash my face with a cleanser a from Shiseido, I like their Pureness Deep Cleansing Foam. It is a gentle cleanser that lightly exfoliates and helps to keep your skin clear and blemish free.
2. Next I moisturize using a Cetaphil Moisturizer. My favorite is Cetaphil's DailyAdvance Ultra Hydrating Lotion For Dry Sensitive Skin. It is perfect for fighting winter dryness and keeps my skin feeling so hydrated throughout the day.
3. I then apply a sunscreen from Shiseido, I like their Urban Environment Protection Cream.
4. Finally I apply Shiseido's White Lucent Brightening Eye Treatment.

When I am putting on makeup:

1. First I apply Multi-Protect Primer SPF 30 from NARS.
2. After, I usually apply foundation, either Laura Mercier's Cream Smooth Foundation or NARS Sheer Matte Foundation with a moist wedge sponge. If I only want a little coverage I will sometimes add some foundation to my moisturizer.
3. Under my eyes and around my nostrils I apply YSL's Touche Éclat (sometimes I only apply this for makeup, I am sure you already know it works amazingly!). If I need a little more coverage and I am not using a foundation I will either use YSL's Multi-Action Concealer or M·A·C's Studio Sculpt Concealer.
4. For definition and warmth I use Bronzer from Shiseido.
5. If I am wearing blush I like to use YSL's Blush Radiance.
6. For a highlighter I use The Multiple in Orgasm from NARS.
7. On the inner rim of the bottom lash line I like to apply Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner in Santa Monica Blvd from NARS (a white eyeliner).
8. I then apply a liquid eyeliner, either Eyeliner Stylo from NARS or I make my own using a liquid eyeliner brush, Trish McEvoy's Finish Line or Laura Mercier's Tightline Activator with Laura Mercier's Tightline Cake Eye Liner in Black Ebony.
9. For mascara I use Larger Than Life Volumizing Mascara from NARS.
10. On my eyebrows I use an eyebrow pencil from NARS for added definition. If I want stronger brows I apply M·A·C's Eye Shadow in Corduroy (when doing this I think it looks best with either a natural look or with a bold lip) using an eyebrow brush.
11. On my lips I start out with Aquaphor for smooth, soft lips (I apply a lot of it before I start doing my makeup and then wipe it off before I start applying a lipliner). For lipliner I use Shiseido's Smoothing Lip Pencils because they have such beautiful color and double as a brush for applying lipstick. For lipstick, lately, first I apply M·A·C's Pro Longwear Lipcreme in a purple shade called Goes and Goes. In the middle of my lips I then apply either YSL's Rouge Volupté in a pink shade or a pink lip gloss.
12. The last thing I apply is Shiseido's Translucent Pressed Powder, either with a big brush or a powder puff.

Shiseido Refining Body Exfoliator

Recently I picked up Shiseido's Refining Body Exfoliator, I am quite happy with it and definitely recommend it. It smells lovely, is not too intense on the skin, and is perfect to use before applying tanner.

Modern Kabuki Holiday

As I have mentioned before, I am a complete fan of NARS. Their pigments are so beautiful and rich that I cannot even begin to imagine how delightful the Modern Kabuki sets must be. From the design of the product to the design of the packaging, everything looks truly amazing, not to mention that the color palette they chose for the Kuroko Mini Nail Polish Set is made up of some of my favorite colors for nail polish!

Hanamichi Eyeshadow Palette $65.00
Kudoki Kabuki Lip Set $125.00
Kuroko Mini Nail Polish Set $35.00

Essie Nail Polish

Recently I picked up two shades of Essie Nail Polish, the first being a white shade called Waltz and the second being a blue shade calledAurba Blue. Being the dedicated OPI user that I am I was a little skeptical of trying a new brand out. I cannot remember the last time I tried Essie so I was not going to jump to any conclusions. The polish went on easily and dried quickly, same went for the second coat. I had to apply a third coat to the blue shade which bothered me. I am clearly an OPI girl!
Either way, StyleCaster tweeted to send a picture of your manicure to @StyleCaster with the #NailCall and I was lucky enough to be featured on Beauty High's page! Thank you to them! See my manicure plus all of the other lovely ones featured here! Oh and 'Apply Your Style' is next on my list! Hopefully they will like it!

New In: Mac Studio Sculpt Concealer and Eye Shadow

I picked up Studio Sculpt Concealer and Eye Shadow from M·A·C. I was looking for a concealer that would work well in photographs but that could also transfer to everyday winter wear if need be. Generally I do not like wearing heavy concealer but for long days during the winter it can work well. I picked up the brown eyeshadow to use on my eyebrows with an angled brush. If you are going to use an eyeshadow to fill your eyebrows in make sure you are using a matte shade or else you might have shiny eyebrows, which would look a little odd.

MAC Pro Longwear Lipcream & Eye Shadow

I generally do not wear eyeshadow during the day and if I do it is a palette of neutrals from Chanel and I do not often wear eyeshadow at night either; however, lately I have been interested in trying out different shades of eyeshadow and lipstick (as a side note: I would not wear or recommend someone to wear intense colors during the day, it can come off a little desperate!). I am currently into shades of blue and purple so you can imagine how excited I am to try out this Pro Longwear Lipcreme in 'Goes and Goes' and this Eye Shadow in 'Atlantic Blue', both by M·A·C. I actually already tried out the lipstick, which goes on extremely smoothly and is true to color. I added a dash of pink lip gloss to the center of my lips, which gave them a cool cosmic look.

Trish McEvoy Finish Line

One thing that I was not able to find when picking up my winter makeup was Tightline Activator by Laura Mercier (a liquid that turns powder makeup like eye shadow into liquid eyeliner that you apply with an eyeliner brush). Even though I use NARS liquid eyeliner, which has a spongy tip, I like to use the activator for a stronger, more defined line. Also, because it turns any color eye shadow/blush/etc. into eyeliner, you can use any color for eyeliner. After not being able to find it at a couple of stores, I decided to try a different brand. I picked up Finish Line by Trish McEvoy, which is pretty much the same thing. I recommend both!

Winter Beauty Essentials

Although I have been slowly replacing my makeup for the colder months I went all out and picked up most of what was on my list. So exciting and refreshing! I am a Shiseido/NARS/YSL girl if you couldn't already tell! What's on your list of winter beauty essentials?

Black Onyx

I was unable to go to Storm King with Jordan, instead I spent the weekend getting through the worst part of the flu plague. Unfortunately, I still have the flu and even touching the computer can make me feel a thousand times worse. I must thank Jordan, he has been nothing but lovely and helpful! Needless to say, I have not been the best blogger! Do forgive! Until I feel well enough to start taking outfit pics I thought I would tell you about my favorite beauty products, starting with one of my favorite colors of nail polish. I am a devoted user of OPI nail polishes, I have bouts of Chanel, I have tried the other popular brands, but I swear by OPI! Here I am wearing one out of my two favorite shades: Black Onyx. My other favorite is The Thrill of Brazil, which is a lovely shade of red. Later!

Makeup Tools

In the city we have this store called Ricky's that is sort of the drugstore version of Sephora (without all the make up... it is more hair and nails). They have some extremely odd items mixed in with all the things you never knew you needed, which can be a complete trap. You have to know what you want before you go in or else you might end up walking out with three kinds of nail polish and a hair conditioning treatment. These are some things I was looking for, little pads for pressed powder and mascara wands (both $4.99). You can buy them here!

NARS

When it comes to makeup the design of the packaging and the design of the product's container, both should be on par with the actual product. I think NARS does a lovely job with carrying out their concept  and style. What I am trying to say is, Jordan and I went to the NARS flagship store for the first time the other day (even though it is literally five minutes or less away).

T by Alexander Wang Top LF Shorts Marc by Marc Jacobs Backpack

Bloomingdales in Soho

Top: T by Alexander Wang; Shorts: LF; Shoes and Backpack: Marc by Marc Jacobs;

Shiseido and NARS

I have been really into NARS makeup lately. I picked up a new mascara, liquid eyeliner, eyeshadow, and a multiple. I love the duo eyeshadow, it bursts with pigment and can be used wet or dry. I also picked up a new sunscreen from Shiseido; it is their 'Urban Environment UV Protection Cream' and I recommend it completely! It is lightweight, water proof and protects against 'dryness, oxidative pollutants, and UVA/UVB rays that cause photo-aging, spots, and wrinkles.' Just what I was looking for! Later!

Bambi Northwood-Blyth

Old Bambi editorial inspiration

Source: ohfashionmodel

Beauty tips I have never even thought to think about

I never actually read Lucky, the magazine or their website, but earlier today I was looking through blogs, which as usual got me linking (bad word play I know) and somehow I ended up on their website's beauty section (which I actually found to be entertaining). While I was in that terribly time consuming 'website beauty section' situation of going through galleries showing beauty products with titles like: Makeup Tips Everyone Should Know/10 Best Products/etc. I read something that I related to: 'The hairstylist/aesthetician/manicurist who spends [his/her] time trashing the job the last person did on you is the hairstylist/aesthetician/manicurist you need to replace, stat. Truly talented people focus on bringing out the best in you, not telling you what's wrong with you.' Now it could just be me who has been in this situation but I think Lucky makes a good point!

East Side Studio

The rest of today is being spent editing photos and working on the next issue of the magazine. Here is a picture of the east side DMM studio where we are working. There is a lot more space to style and hang garments so we tend to do a lot of our shooting here, if you live in this area you may have even see us on the street! Okay back to work!