Posts Tagged ‘makeup’

Liquid Lipstick

July 11, 2017

This morning, I put on makeup and applied lipstick at 8:30 am. It’s 5:30, and I have had lunch, a couple of cups of tea and a few meetings, and my lipstick is still on. Liquid lipstick, where have you been all my life?

I am pretty lazy when it comes to makeup. Most days, I workout and work from home, so I just wash and go. An occasional smear of tinted lip treatment keeps me from chewing on my lips when the hills get hard in spin class. When I go out in public, I apply makeup, and then pretty much forget about for the rest of the day. That perfected version of myself seems to be gone the next time I glance in a mirror, with my makeup being almost invisable, barring the unsightly smudge of mascara under my eyes from time to time.

Last summer, I got a goodie bag of samples at Sephora, and one of the items was a Kat Von D liquid lipstick in a very dark, goth looking burgundy. I pretty much ignored it, since I figured the shade was a bit intense for me, and would make my lips look even thinner than they are. One day, on a whim, I tried it on for kicks, and had a revelation; it was so bold that it actually highlighted my lips, and more importantly, it was almost impossible to get off! The color was in fact a bit too much for me, but the formulation was a keeper.

Liquid lipsticks are not exactly new, but they are new to me. Kylie Jenner certainly didn’t invent them, but her lip kits may have had a major role in introducing the idea to the masses. I hadn’t given them a minute’s thought, until I tried a sample, and I am now a convert.

I noticed it was hard to get a perfect application on my lips, and if I missed, there was no easy way to correct it. The key to liquid lipstick is to use a pencil to create an outline, and then use the lipstick wand to fill it in. Once you have it applied the way you want it, you need to wait a minute to let it dry. If you smear it, you might walk around looking like a crazy clown for the entire day. Oil based makeup remover on a Q-tip would take care of it, but it would also take everything around it off as well, requiring a complete do-over; something few of us have the time to deal with.  It is a bit dryer feeling than a regular lipstick, and if you like sheen, you need to add a little gloss on top.

I am currently using a very reasonably priced Sephora brand product, which is more pigmented than what I usually use, but way less intense in hue than the Kat Von D sample. All the major brands seem to have their own version, and color options range from nude to almost black.

Sometimes, I opt for a more natural look, but on the days that I am wearing makeup, and want it to last, long wearing liquid lipstick is my new go to.

Have you tried it yet?

 

SaveSave

Beauty Blender

September 14, 2016

I’m not a makeup expert, or a beauty blogger. In fact, there are many days where I don’t put any makeup on at all. Don’t even ask about my almost non-existant skincare ritual. But on other days, I want to look like an enhanced version of myself; one that is more polished and perfected without looking over-done.

via cultbeauty.com

via cultbeauty.com

To achieve this look, my tools of choice were mostly my fingers. Smear it on, and smooth it out were my mottos. Every beauty blogger, Youtuber, and editor swears by the Beauty Blender, but until I read a post from it’s makeup artist | creator, I didn’t give it a second glance. Now that I’ve tried it, I’m a convert. If you’re looking for a finish that is natural and flawless (or as flawless as you can get given the face beneath the makeup) then this tool is a must have.

Shaped like a bright fucshia egg, the pointy end is able to get into those hard to reach spots around your nose, and at the inner corners of the eyes. The sides are perfect for blending broader areas, such as the cheeks and forehead. You simply get it wet, squeeze the excess water out, and pat it gently around your face to blend foundation, concealer, and even blush, for a seamless look.

The patting motion keeps the makeup from being rubbed off, but blurs the edges so that they are invisable. The dampness keeps the sponge supple and absorbs less product than a dry sponge. Once you are done, there is no obvious beginning and end to your makeup; just a smooth and natural finish that makes your skin look healthier and smoother than ever before. You can even skip using foundation all over your face, and use the tool to blend concealer with your own, bare skin for a more natural effect.

Tapping takes a moment longer than smearing, but the results are well worth the time.

Have you tried the Beauty Blender yet?

Check us out at indigojonesnyc on instagram.

Want to see what we have been pinning? Take a look at our Pinterest page!

Tweet along on Twitter.

Take a peek at our Tumblr.

To keep up with the latest, show us some “like” by liking our Facebook page

Check out our new site Indigo Jones Eats

Visit our shops on Gourmly ,EcohabitudeChocolate.org and Etsy

Leave It Behind: Say Goodbye to These 2015 Beauty Trends

January 4, 2016

The year is over, and it is a good time to reflect on the past and start anew. Some things worked well in 2015, others, not so much.  Let’s take a peek at some of this year’s biggest beauty trends that are best left behind as we move into the new year:

Extreme Contouring:

 

via Dallas Entertainment Journal

via Dallas Entertainment Journal

 

Bella DeLune's "Clown Contouring"

Bella DeLune’s “Clown Contouring”

We’re looking at you Kardashians! While contouring can completely change the look of one’s face, when poorly executed, it is disastrous! Even the most deftly applied contouring looks like a mask. Save this technique for professional photoshoots, and “you do you” the rest of the time.

Giant Lips:

Don't Try This at Home!!! via Fusion.net

Don’t Try This at Home!!!
via Fusion.net

The Kylie Jenner lip challenge had women all over the world trying a lip plumping technique that involved using household items to provide suction. While many did get plumper lips, they often experienced bruising, swelling and pain along with them. Kylie later admitted that hers came from a top plastic surgeon and not a Poland Springs bottle, leaving all those sheep who followed along, feeling, well, sheepish. Just say no to crazy and painful trends and try a good lip liner and some gloss to make your kisser look fuller.

Long Pointy “Stilletto” Nails:

Stilletto Nails

Stilletto Nails

After years of well groomed “squaound” nails ( that’s squared off round to those of you not familiar with the term), women started sporting long pointy talons again. Not only do they look a little trashy in our humble opinion, it is almost impossible to function with them. Or maybe that’s the point.

 

The Faux Man Bun:

Clip on Man Bun from Asos

Clip on Man Bun from Asos

Hipsters united this year over the man bun. Pulling their longish hair into a neat bun and offsetting it with facial hair was a look that a certain type of man could really work. For those who took a more conservative approach to grooming but wanted to try the look on for size, companies introduced the clip on man bun. Do we even need to discuss this one? Run, do not walk away from this look now. No good can come of it.

Drawn on Big Bold Brows:

Cara Delevigne via Movie Pilot

Cara Delevigne via Movie Pilot

via Brow Bird. Just, Say, NO!!!

via Brow Bird. Just, Say, NO!!!

Cara Delavigne became the poster child for bold brows, and women world over aspired to get the look. News flash: if you don’t have the brows, drawing them on and coloring them in with a dark brow pencil doesn’t achieve the same effect. If you want to channel a cartoon character, carry on. Otherwise, back away.

Cultural Appropriation:

Rachel Dolezal, the ultimate cultural appropriation ended in just really bad hair.

Rachel Dolezal: the ultimate cultural appropriation ended in just really bad hair.

 

Valentino was slammed for their chic interpretation of African culture, san the African models.

Valentino was slammed for their chic interpretation of African culture, sans the African models.

Hair styles associated with specific cultures spurred trends this year. Blatent appropriation was just plain wrong. Celebrate your heritage, but please, be respectful. Sometimes imitation really isn’t the best form of flattery.

What beauty trends do you think should be left behind this year? Let us know in the comments!

 

Check us out at indigojonesnyc on instagram.

Want to see what we have been pinning? Take a look at our Pinterest page!

Tweet along on Twitter.

Take a peek at our Tumblr.

To keep up with the latest, show us some “like” by liking our Facebook page

Check out our new site Indigo Jones Eats

Visit our shops on Gourmly EcohabitudeLemonbar and Etsy

Download the HOMEMADE app

Pretty Babies

May 15, 2010

Last week, a friend posted a query on Facebook: “ My 5th grader is mad at me because I won’t let her wear eyeliner. Am I wrong?”

At least 10 people responded immediately telling her that she was indeed, not wrong at all.  A few suggested letting her daughter wear blush, lip-gloss and a light coat of mascara as a compromise.

Today, as I was reading the New York Times ‘Thursday Styles” section, I stumbled upon an article discussing the same topic.

According to NPD Group, a consumer research company, the use of cosmetics in tween girls is up this year. Statistically, 18% of all 8-12 year olds are wearing mascara, 15% are wearing eyeliner, and 15 % are wearing lipstick.

Over 66% of the girls polled credited a family member or adult family friend with helping them acquire and apply their makeup.

While adult makeup sales are down, the use of tween and teen makeup is growing steadily.  As we question the motivation of our little Lolitas trying to appear older, it is important to note the actual health risks of cosmetic use in children.

In a recent study done by the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, girls younger than age 10 with early onset of puberty had a high incidence of endocrine disruptors found in some nail polishes and cosmetics. There is also concern over skin damage caused by the chemicals in makeup, and the potential allergic reactions suffered by the overly sensitive skin of a child.

Some companies, such as Neutrogena, use different formulations in products marketed to a younger clientele, although they declined to share their proprietary technology in the article.

As I watch my own daughter teeter on the cusp of being a baby and an adolescent simultaneously, I struggle with keeping her innocence and letting her be her own person. I have found that my instincts are my best guide.  Knowing that there are potential health risks involved will help me make an informed decision when the situation arises.


%d bloggers like this: