Brushes, Fingers, or Sponges: Which Is Better For Foundation Application?

As I look at the sad state of my Beauty Blender sponges, I’m wondering whether I should go back to using a foundation brush or fork over another $20 plus for a new Beauty Blender. I bought two Beauty Blenders in September 2014 on Amazon for $24, choosing black (because I love black), and I didn’t like that foundation discolors the other colors, making them look dirty even when they aren’t. I thought that was a good thing until I started hearing reports of mold and bugs.  With a black sponge, it is difficult, if not impossible, to tell if the sponge is gathering mold or becoming a haven for bugs. I always make sure I store my sponges where they can air out completely and see no entry points for pests, but I can’t help being a little freaked out.  

Image via Pinterest

I stopped using foundation brushes because the foundation was looking streaky even after cleaning. I have two that I rotated and tried to clean regularly, but I stopped getting the results I wanted. Instead of buying new ones, I bought the Beauty Blender sponges, and the rest is history. At the time, I didn’t consider that I may have switched foundation formulas and that may have affected the application or that the brush I was using wasn’t clean enough.  Now I find myself at the same crossroad, wondering whether I should continue using a makeup sponge or go back to a foundation brush.

It’s tough being a girl…

Foundation application is already a time-consuming process for me. I have varying degrees of hyperpigmentation so it can be a time-consuming process to get an even canvas, and sometimes I still miss the mark. What I have found is that while I love the way the foundation applies and blends with the Beauty Blender sponge, it is more for light or medium coverage and I need the full coverage capabilities of the foundation brush, which doesn’t, in my opinion, blend as well as the sponge. My mistake was switching from the Mac Studio Fix cream foundation which has better full coverage, to the Studio Fix liquid formula which has more of a light to medium coverage and doesn’t work as well with the brush as the cream formula does.

Image via Pinterest

Perhaps it’s not about one being better than the other, but knowing how and when to use them. Understanding the differences in each beauty tool is the key to knowing which is best for you. Makeup sponges, specifically the Beauty Blender, give you a better blended and more natural effect than a foundation brush would, especially if you have dry or flaky skin. Sponges will work better because they won’t to allow the product to sit on your face because it presses the foundation into the skin. Refinery29 has a fantastic article on Beauty Blender makeup application techniques for the face, eyes, cheeks, and lips.

Regarding foundation brush application, I found the following tips very helpful. If your foundation brush is streaky, it is most likely dirty and a good cleaning with a makeup brush cleaner (I use the Beauty Blender solid for my sponges and brushes) should take care of that annoying problem.

Foundation Brush Application Tips:

– Use a flat, synthetic foundation brush.

– Use a pea-size amount of product.

– Squeeze product onto the back of your hand to apply.

– Disperse to areas of your face before you blend.

– Use upward and back to apply.

Or…

I can revert to using my fingers, a method I find makeup gurus like Bobbi Brown and Wayne Goss using frequently instead of brushes and sponges. I used to use my fingers exclusively, but stopped because being my self-proclaimed ADD self, I would wonder off to get tea or switch the television channel and unwittingly get makeup all over the place. I recently incorporated it back into my regimen for trouble spots. I found the following tips on Brit + Co.

Image via Cosmopolitan

Finger Method Foundation Application Tips:

– Use a dime-size amount of product.

– Squeeze product onto the back of your hand to apply.

– Disperse to areas of your face before you blend.

– Use a gentle touch — your ring and middle finger work best for this.

Image via Pinterest

Then there is the matter of which tool is more wasteful, another reason I switched to using a sponge. I saw so much foundation being washed away when cleaning the brushes it made me feel like the brushes were absorbing too much product, but I have to wonder the same thing when using the Beauty Blender. Supposedly, the Beauty Blender sponge doesn’t absorb product like standard makeup sponges made of latex and synthetic makeup brushes are also designed not to absorb product. That wasn’t my experience so I’m out as far as  which is less wasteful.

In my case, I probably need all three methods, so I am off to Amazon to look for new Beauty Blender sponges and foundation brushes. I already have the fingers.

[Image via StylEnigma/Polyvore]

Beach Armor: My Influenster Beach Bag Must Haves

As a Colorado resident, there are no “real” beaches, we have reservoirs and so-so sushi. The first real beach I ever saw was when a guy I had a long distance relationship with whisked me to his home in a posh area in New Jersey. I don’t remember where, but I remember that his dad made all the woodwork in the house — the doors, dressers, floors, stairs, railings, the works — there was a lot of gorgeous carpentry in that house.

He took me to Manhattan where we ate at the Russian Samovar, took a romantic walk around, and saw Cats. On the way back to his house, we decided to take a spontaneous trip to Atlantic City, my first experience with casinos and a beach. There was a lot of firsts experienced during that visit, and it was a fantastic rendezvous.  I wasn’t that impressed with the Atlantic City beach because it was so littered, but my Bahamas honeymoon was a different story; clean clear water that was so many shades of blue and gorgeous white sand.  By the time I left, my feet were absolutely gorgeous from walking around the beach. Thinking about that made me compile a list of things I would have in my beach bag on Influenster. Good times… 

Here is my Influenster list of the essentials I would pack for my next beach trip.

Burt’s Bees Lip Balm ~ $3.29

 

Burt’s Bees is my go to lip balm. I always put it on when I am preparing for makeup application as a foundation for my lip cosmetics, much in the way one would apply a moisturizer and/or primer. It’s so worth the money.

Curls Creme Brule Whipped Curl Cream ~ $10.99

 

I use this all of the time especially since I am not bothering with a relaxer this summer, just letting the natural curls fly. It is so moisturizing and keeps hair soft and curls intact with great definition. It has a slight scent so it doesn’t clash with other products.

Maybelline Lash Stiletto – Waterproof Ultimate Length Mascara ~ 6.97

 

This is the best mascara ever no matter what formula you use. In situations where I might cry or am near water, Lash Stiletto is perfect. It is not coming off and it makes lashes incredibly long without clumping. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!

M.A.C. Pro Longwear Nourishing Waterproof Foundation ~ $33

 

M.A.C. Pro Longwear Waterproof Foundation is the one you want because of the color options, high pigmentation, and staying power. It’s a bit more than a drugstore brand ($33) but it is worth it. Use along with a primer for extra armor against humidity.

M.A.C Prep & Prime BB Beauty Balm SPF 35 ~ $31

 

To ensure your makeup doesn’t slide off at the beach a good primer underneath your waterproof foundation will give your makeup extra longevity. M.A.C.’s Beauty Balm is a BB cream so it blurs imperfections and controls oil plus it has SPF 35 just in case you forgot to apply a sunscreen to your face.

L’Oreal® Paris Infallible Pro-Spray & Set Makeup Extender Setting Spray ~ $13.66

 

I’ve used a few makeup setting sprays and L’Oreal is consistent and easy to find as well as being under $15. It sprays on evenly (something I’ve had a problem with other setters), dries quickly, and keeps makeup in place which is a necessity in humid, hot weather.

Maybelline Great Wear Waterproof Eyeliner ~ $4.79

 

This eyeliner works great with the Lash Stiletto mascara. It won’t budge and the pigment is good. It goes on easily, so there is no tugging.

e.l.f. Studio Makeup Remover Cleansing Cloths ~ $2.99

 

This stuff is so good and it’s so cheap! I tend to use Neutrogena but I went on an e.l.f. binge one day and bought it and it is fantastic. Don’t get me wrong, Neutrogena is great but is a bit oily, which is fine with me because I can skip a moisturizer and it does disappear into the skin, e.l.f. has a non-greasy finish that still feels hydrated. Great for getting off that waterproof makeup

Neutrogena Beach Defense SPF 30 Spray ~ $9.49

 

I love this stuff. It has a fine mist that offers good coverage and smells good but the scent isn’t overwhelming.

 

As I am writing I am still compiling a list in my head which would probably fit in a suitcase instead of a beach bag.

Source: Beach Armor by StylEnigma | Influenster

Refinery29 Shares How ColourPop Makes Eyeshadow And Lipstick

Image Source: Refinery29

If you are a fan of Refinery29, you are well aware of their recent ColourPop series; a trip to ColourPop’s L.A. headquarter’s culminated into an entire series about the brand, including an interview with founders Laura and John Nelson, a look at how they make their cosmetics, and why it’s so inexpensive (not that we are complaining, and I love Laura’s answer).

Image Source: Refinery29

A division of Seed Cosmetics, also founded by the Nelson’s, ColourPop has made quite an impact on the cosmetics world in the two short years it has been on the scene. The brains behind the brand that produces Kylie Jenner’s and Kim Im’s  cosmetics lines, the Nelson siblings were generous with their time and secrets, sharing how they make their eyeshadows and lipsticks.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by ColourPop Cosmetics (@colourpopcosmetics)

There is one thing that confuses me about this company; why don’t they have international shipping? In almost every Instagram picture I see there are requests and inquisitions from all over the world about the company’s failure to ship internationally. It is massively popular for many reasons — it’s inexpensive and it has high-profile celebrities and beauty influencers behind it.  It doesn’t make a lot of sense to me, but I’m not running ColourPop, and seeing as the Nelson siblings seem to be smart and sane people, I’m sure there is a method to their madness.

Follow the links and take a peek at how they make their cosmetics. It’s fascinating.

 

 

Denver Fashion Week Spring ’16

A look from Velvet Wolf at Denver Fashion Week Spring ’16.

Let me start out by saying that I really enjoyed the Denver Fashion Weekend Spring ’16 festivities, a multi-day event that features local and national designers and boutiques, along with hair shows and awards ceremonies. Unfortunately, I missed the 303 Awards/Southwest Hairstyling Awards on Night One, but celebrity stylist Tabatha Coffey received a Lifetime Achievement Award.

In Focus host, Eden Lane was holding court, and without too much criticism (I can’t imagine what it takes to pull off a production like this on multiple nights), compared to my experience at the Fall ’15 shows, DFW Spring ’16 was a massive improvement. It was better organized, the press didn’t have to fight to get into place, and the overall mood was less manic. This production had their act together; they were much friendlier (even after I knocked a stack of cards off of a pole), the security staff was more personable, the press was given more respect, and the people attending this event were much more festive and much less bitchy than the last fashion event.

Eden Lane hosting Night Three of Denver Fashion Week ’16.

I should have had this blog out last week, but I wasted a lot of time trying to unsuccessfully edit fashion week videos while trying to learn a new job, so please excuse me in advance for the janky video and extreme lateness. Last year’s footage was so bad I barely bothered to post anything. This time was no different. The Fall ’15  runway was cool but complicated, and we were situated on the side next to a platform with a lone photographer on it. Thankfully, the person I brought for photography was taller than my 5′ 2″ frame, so he was more successful with photos. This year, I was told that we could have used that near-empty platform, but no one told us.

Back to work after having to bail on Night Two of Denver Fashion Week. The one and only time I successfully applied false lashes.

This year was no different as far as lousy positioning, but at least there was a reason for it. Night Three was PACKED and so was that platform. Apparently, there was a schedule change because when I RSVP’d the event, the night I attended was scheduled to be a hair show.  I was a little bummed because I had to bail on Night Two at the last-minute and I was more interested in the fashion than the hair, although I had planned on going to both. To be honest, I was probably more bummed about the fact that I had finally applied false eyelashes without them coming off or getting adhesive all over the place, and I had nowhere to go. I can’t be the only person who hates to waste time and a good makeup job.

This was the cutest outfit. This local blogger knew how to mix her prints. The photo does not do this outfit justice.

I should probably go back; the kick-off event for DFW Spring ’16 was Red Pearl, a fashion comedy movie by Stacy Barton and Jessica McGaugh. The comedy-drama movie with fashion overtones is based in Colorado, and is about Scarlet (Desira Pesta), a recent transplant from Ohio fresh out of fashion school. She’s having difficulty making friends professionally and personally, and she’s nursing a broken heart as well. Project Runway’s Mondo Guerra makes an appearance as her mentor and I thought he was in attendance, but it turned out that the gentleman I mistook as Guerra was not. One would have expected him to turn up for the premiere of a movie he is in, but…

The gentleman I mistook for Mondo Guerra.

My favorite performances were from Scarlet’s creepy apartment manager (William Leiren), and her married lover and neighbor (Matt Block), whom I met at the fashion show. He walked right past us and I said, “He’s cute,” and my daughter/photographer said, “That’s that guy from the movie, her neighbor.” Being who I am, I ran after him. He’s all kinds of cute. That movie does not do him justice. He was beyond charming and very funny. He was also taking part in the shows.

Red Pearl actor and model Matt Block with me at the Denver Fashion Weekend Spring 2016 show.

Back to the show…

Final walk for Soignee.

I immediately ran into the Beauty For Real booth at the bazaar and the rep. went to work selling us on how innovative the makeup line is. Ok, the lip gloss has a mirror AND a light on the applicator. Hello, where have you been all of my life? She told me Leslie Munsell, the founder of Beauty For Real was walking in the show.

Is this Leslie Munsell, founder of Beauty For Real walking in the Marks-Lloyds fashion show?

I thought I saw her walk for Marks-Lloyds, but I can’t be certain. [Doesn’t this look like her? I feel like a post about the brand is in order.

Beauty For Real

When I left Beauty For Real counter, I perused a couple of apparel vendors, and then ran into Sam LaBella, hairstylist and makeup artist at Family Affair representing the Balmain Hair Couture line. Remember when I said I had never heard of Balmain Hair? Ta-da! She was so much fun, and I had the best time with her. She even spritzed my dusty bun with a shining product. In the middle of entertaining me, she also provided me with a little more education about the line and where it is headed. Balmain Hair won’t stay hush-hush for long.

StylEnigma (Lynnette Southwood) and Sam LaBella from Family Affair.

The line up for the shows I attended were:

Marks-Lloyds Furs
Lions in Four
Kouture
Velvet Wolf
Soignee
Royal Outerwear
ILy ILey
Femme Fatal Intimates
Georgine

While I enjoyed every show, the standouts for me were Velvet Wolf, Kouture, and ILy Iley. I am not an outerwear fan per se, but as far as a physical reaction, I loved Royal Outerwear. The styling and makeup was inspiring and Torell Madsen, A.K.A. Tory, was especially breathtaking. I may have to relax my style a bit and embrace street wear more.

Torell Madsen in Royal Outerwear

I recorded a few of the shows but I didn’t get them all. Unfortunately, I didn’t get photos or footage of Femme Fatale Intimates and Georgine NYC, which I truly regret. Poor battery life and difficulty holding the camera with so many bloggers and photographers jockeying for position dictated I sit out a few shows so again, please enjoy the sketchy camera work. The fact that there were so many people in attendance tells me that the popularity of the event is growing, as it should. A special shout-out to my photographer Raven Refuerzo, a.k.a., my kid. Denver Fashion Week Spring ’16 was a great production and a lot of fun. Can’t wait till the fall shows.

Kouture

Marks-Lloyds

Velvet Wolf

Lions In Four

Denver Bronco Super Bowl 50 Celebration Style

Image Source: Pinterest

 

I thought I would produce a quick little post at 1:30 in the morning to gloat. The Denver Broncos have won Super Bowl 50 and now it’s time to celebrate by putting away our game day apparel and put on some celebratory blue and orange (and gold for the golden anniversary) clothing and rocking those Bronco nails and makeup a little bit longer. While blue and orange can be a difficult color combination to pull off, it can also be mesmerizing when done correctly.

Image Source: Pinterest

 

I live in Denver so we’ll be wearing blue and orange for the foreseeable future, and I would encourage all Bronco fans to stretch it out as long as possible. Again, congratulations to Peyton Manning and the Broncos on another Super Bowl win and for showing the doubters why this team has been one of the top teams in the NFL for decades.

 

Denver Bronco Super Bowl 50 Celebration Style by stylenigma featuring Illamasqua

Nails Inc gel nail polish
sephora.com

Nars cosmetic
barneys.com

Lovers Friends orange dress
revolveclothing.com

Lovers Friends dress
revolveclothing.com

Illamasqua eyeshadow
$24 – illamasqua.com

Posh Girl leather shoes
poshgirl.us

Liliana gold shoes
heels.com

Beautyblender’s Liner Designer Promises To Be A Triple Threat.

Beautyblender is one of my favorite beauty tools. I own two Beauty Blender sponges, the solid cleanser, and the Sur.face Pro palette, and I was visiting The Zoe Report when I saw that the brand is introducing its newest innovation coming this spring, the Liner Designer. I am not cat eye savvy and try as I might, I can not get a satisfying result. I came to the conclusion that I am just not cat eye material and my inner feline may never be realized. Perhaps this is a game changer for me. Watch out…

 

Straight line. Every time.

 

This triangle-shaped tool works as a guide allowing the user to create various versions of the cat eye more easily. The perfect cat-eye (a trend that never seems to go out of style) is achieved by painting any eyeliner formula onto the flexible disk, then dragging it across the eye. I’m honestly trying to visualize how that will work. seeing as there are no examples available presently. I am going to assume (and you know what they say about assuming) that it is akin to a stencil?

 

The flexible disk is housed in a travel case that has a 5x magnified mirror and suction cup (which confuses me). It can also be used as an eyeshadow  and mascara shield in addition to a tool to make your lip liner sharper.

 

 

The Beautyblender Liner Designer will be available at beautyblender and Sephora for $18 this spring.

 

 

 

 

Happy New You! Jumpstart Your Personal Style

 

Image source: Pinterest ~ Kevin Michael Schmitz Photography.

I’ll be honest, 2015 was rough, but I’ve had tougher. It was also exciting, enlightening and showed me that I am resilient, gullible, and an optimistic pessimist. I’ve learned that my refusal to give up is not always a good thing, but my stubbornness isn’t something I’m willing to change. Armed with more wisdom, I’m looking forward; 2015 is over and 2016 is just beginning.

Now is the time when we typically take stock of what we did the previous year and what we would like to do in the present one. Regardless of whether we habitually make resolutions we most likely won’t keep, there is a collective reset, an ‘after a rainstorm’ freshness in the air. I tend to clean house metaphorically. I get rid of people who are toxic and I look at what I can do to improve my physical and mental health.

I’m going to really focus on pinpointing my personal style which means putting more energy into myself, better known as being selfish. I’m a nurturer by nature, so I tend to take care of others needs before my own and I’m not alone in that. If I were one to make resolutions, this a resolution I would always break. I think most of us try to revamp or refresh our look. Unfortunately, coming right off of Christmas, trying to decide which trends I want to embrace or create contrast with my yearly thought to be fiscally responsible, another resolution that wouldn’t stick.

Unretouched photo of me just after finishing a four-day braiding project wearing body jewelry.

I  found myself on Born Pretty Store when I was researching a story on ‘glitter roots‘ and spent way too much time in their jewelry department. I usually purchase nail art supplies here, but as a person who recently got into body jewelry, I was hooked on their selection. If you are not familiar, get familiar. Beauty and fashion enthusiasts rave about Born Pretty Store for a reason. They are on top of the current beauty and fashion trends: matte lipsticks, glitter for nails and hair, club clothes, and body jewelry, and the quality is great for how inexpensive it is. Their inventory of beauty and styling tools is pretty impressive as well.

As a thank you to my followers, I have a 10% off coupon for non-discounted items. Just use DFBT10 when checking out and know that you have exercised fiscal responsibility on top of welcoming the new year with a new you.

Happy New Year!!!

 

 

News From The Beautiverse Jan. 14-Jan.20

Window display of SJP shoe collection. Image:@sjpcollection

 

I’m late. Not a good start, I know. I got caught up in how to make the site function better and I missed my Wednesday deadline. The option was; forget about it this week or post it late. I choose to finish it and post it late. I have a problem with finishing things so I am happy with myself.

This week’s News From The Beautiverse features; Sarah Jessica Parker, Tyra Banks, Rhianna, fragrant nail polish remover, and more…

News From The Beautiverse Jan.14-Jan.20.15

 

 

The Best Makeup To Cover Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation is a skin condition that darkens the skin and results in uneven skin tone and can be very difficult to cover. I am personally affected by this condition, and it makes life difficult. The condition is caused by many factors; disease, sun exposure, medications, and hormonal changes are just a few of the stimulants that can spark an outbreak. Finding the best makeup to cover hyperpigmentation well can be expensive, especially if there is a large area to cover, such as the legs. In addition to finding a product that covers well, a product that doesn’t transfer onto clothing great.  Few things are as embarrassing as thinking you are super cute at an event, only to go to the bathroom and find that your brown foundation has feathered onto your sheer turquoise ruffled blouse and not one of your “friends” bothered to tell you. Transferring makeup also limits clothing options and can ruin clothing because it doesn’t always come off in the wash or at the dry cleaners.

Make Up For Ever Concealer

The Make Up For Ever line is sold exclusively through Sephora. The Full Cover Concealer is designed to cover tattoos, scars, burns, and other skin maladies flawlessly and is available in 12 shades. It is full coverage, oil-free, and the light texture has a matte finish that stays put. There is an entire cosmetic line that works in conjunction with the concealer, including the Precision Highlighter & Concealer Brush which has high quality 100 percent fiber bristles. This multi-purpose makeup tool is a godsend for precise concealer application.

Dermablend Cover Creme and Intense Powder Camo

Dermablend has been around for over 30 years and is well respected by makeup artists and the medical community, and as a lupus survivor with massive discoloration, it was the first product I found that disguised my hyperpigmentation and allowed me to wear what I wanted without being self-conscience about it coming off on my clothing.

Originally, the foundation was very hard to work with because it had a clayish consistency and the colors were limited, but it worked, did not transfer, and is waterproof. But after the reformulation, the Dermablend Cover Creme texture is creamy and much easier to work with, plus there are more shades to choose from. One of the newest additions to the Dermablend line is the Intense Power Camo, a highly pigmented concealer that covers and camouflages irregularities. Also, you can determine the finish and coverage levels with various application methods and they provide before and after photos and application tips.

MAC Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 and Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation

MAC cosmetics are fantastic for covering skin imperfections because there are so many shades and formulas that cater to different coverage needs that finding the right one for you is never an issue. The Studio Fix collection hides discoloration without making you look like you have piles of makeup on, plus all MAC cosmetics have a lot of pigments so a little goes a long way. Their sales representatives are also makeup artists, and they know a great deal about tones and undertones, something most people know very little about and they are happy to educate you. I use a combination; Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 and the Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation and together they cover my hyperpigmentation beautifully without looking obvious. While it can transfer to clothing and is not waterproof, the Studio Fix powder provides some staying power and again, MAC has the most comprehensive color collection, guaranteeing a perfect color match.

Black Opal Total Coverage Foundation

One that I am dying to try next is Black Opal Total Coverage Foundation. The 2-in-1 formula is part foundation, part concealer and provides a smooth coverage that camouflages and evens out skin tone in one step. It also has skin-protecting minerals that protect against environmental stress inducers.

Kill Two Birds: Wayne Goss Shares The Most Amazing Makeup Tip Ever – Video

Want to kill two birds with one stone? Makeup artist Wayne Goss routinely shares makeup tips and reviews on his  gossmakeupartist vlog and sometimes they come with a twist. This time he shares an ultra cool makeup tip that anyone can do with makeup essentials EVERYONE already has on hand; eyelash curlers and an eyeliner pencil. It’s not a technique the makeup guru uses himself, but it is a cool and amusing way to apply eye makeup, and it breaks the monotony.

Kill Two Birds by stylenigma

Products used:

Sephora Collection eyelash curler sephora.com

Nyx eyeliner target.com

 

The clever makeup guru shows his followers how to curl eyelashes and apply eyeliner at the same time. This particular piece of advice is humorous to me because although I previously stated that eyelash curlers and an eyeliner pencil are makeup staples, but I do not own an eyelash curler. My lashes are so curly they almost spiral… I’m not kidding.

As you can see, this man is amazing, and I love the way he explains everything from makeup application to his philosophy on life. His natural ability to inspire creativity and resonate with the masses is one of many reasons he is so popular. For even more reasons to become a follower, visit his site and get to know him and his love of teaching makeup techniques passionately.