Get Jessica Burciaga's signature look!

One of my favorite models is Jessica Burciaga.  She's been on the scene for awhile now.  From what I know she gained popularity on Myspace (remember those day?!) and was featured on The Girls Next Door after Holly Madison discovered her on Myspace.  Anyway, the girl is absolutely stunning and flawless!  Recently, she's even begun to be compared to Jennifer Lopez.  I found her Youtube channel (MsJessicaBurciaga) and although there are only a few videos and snippets, I found this awesome makeup tutorial featuring Jessica.  Her makeup artist, Etienne Ortega, does an amazing job of showing us viewers exactly how he gets Jessica's signature smokey nighttime look.  It is simple and glamorous.  I have included the video below.  Feel free to check out the video and don't forget to check out Jessica Burciaga's channel!

xoxo, Michelle G 

REVIEW: Maybelline Color Tattoos

Maybelline came out with "Color Tattoos" a few months ago. I have seen the color tattoos featured in a number of hauls but only now just picked up my very first one. I opted for the "Bad to the Bronze" color because it is a safe color and I know I am more likely to use it rather than the purple or green one. They come in an array of 10 different colors though.

Color Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze

So I basically just picked it up without knowing much about the product.  In looking up more information about the color tattoos I found out that it a cream gel eyeshadow that is long lasting.  Maybelline advertises that it has 24 hour intensity with vibrant color that doesn't fade.  We shall see!


My first impression is that these are very much like the MAC Paint Pots.  I own a few of the paint pots which is why I wasn't in a big rush to buy the color tattoos.  They both essentially do the same thing.  They start off as cream eyeshadows that dry into a nice powder form.  I'm not a big fan of cream eyeshadows by themselves but I do use them as a base color from time to time.  The consistency of the color tattoos and paint pots are pretty similar.  I didn't notice a big difference in how they felt.     

Bad to the Bronze color swatch! Very shimmery!

The one big thing I am interested in testing out with this product is their 24 hour intensity claim.  Now as I mentioned before if I use a cream eyeshadow I usually use it as a base for another similar color.  I find that it helps make the powder eyeshadow stick better (especially when using loose pigments).  It also helps to build up the color to look more vibrant.  For the color tattoos I wanted to do a 24 hour color challenge to see just how intense the color looks after I have worn it 24 hours.  Unfortunately, the pictures I took of my eye throughout the day did not come out very well :( But I did keep on my eye-makeup for 24 hours (slept with it on and everything!).  Using an eye primer, the color tattoo stayed in place for 12 hours without it looking faded or creasing!  I also rubbed my eye and there was no residue on my finger.  After a full night's sleep (24 hours later) the tattoo was looking a little faded but it was still on with no creases.

To sum it up:   

Pros: Easy to find in drugstores, affordable, lasts long without creasing as advertised.
Cons: Limited colors compared to MAC paint pots, tend to look a little dry
Would I repurchase? Probably not unless I really needed one of the bright colors for a base.  However, it is a decent cheaper alternative to the MAC paint pots.

REVIEW: Salmon Concealer & Treatment by Eve Pearl

  

 <3

For the past 2 weeks I have been using a brand new concealer made by Eve Pearl.  It is called the Salmon Concealer & Treatment.  According to the Eve Pearl website, the concealer uses the pinky/peach or "salmon" color to neutralize the dark blue undertones that are found under your eye.  The concealer is also safe for sensitive skin because it has no harsh fragrance, parabens, or oil.  It is also cruelty free :)

Salmon Concealer with mirror compact in Medium

I have been looking for a good concealer for over a year ever since they discontinued my favorite drugstore concealer.  I have tried so many concealers this year like Maybelline, CoverGirl, Almay and L'Oreal.  No matter what I never had enough coverage and I could still see dark circles under my eyes.  I decided I needed to look into investing money for a better quality concealer.  I had tried the Salmon Concealer at an Eve Pearl booth during IMATS and loved it so much.  It had been sold out that day though.  I decided that if I was going to invest in a good concealer I would try this one first since I already knew how good it was. 

My dark under eye circles in various light

My under eye circles after using the Salmon concealer and a translucent powder

I am so happy with this concealer!  It leaves no trace of under eye darkness when applied correctly.  It is suggested you tap it on under your eye with the tip of your ring finger rather than rubbing it in.  This tapping method also allows you to build the coverage you need while blending the concealer into your skin for a seamless look.  The texture of the concealer is very creamy and almost feels like a moisturizer for your eyes.  After you put on the concealer you should make sure to set it with a translucent powder as shown in the picture above.


To sum it up:

Pros: Great coverage, safe for skin, 
Cons: Not readily available in stores, expensive
Would I repurchase? YES!!!

Check out the Eve Pearl website for more info on the concealer and also check out the rest of the makeup line!
http://www.evepearl.com/products/concealers-salmon/

My Favorite Eyeliners

For anyone who is looking to try a new eyeliner or looking for a different one I made this post with some of my favorites.  I mainly only use black color eyeliners so everything featured is in that color.  But these brands all have different colors you can buy as well.  Enjoy! :)

M.A.C. Fluidline in Blacktrack

This is my favorite gel eyeliner and I have tried alot of them.  I find that the M.A.C. Fluidline is really creamy and therefore goes on really smoothly.  It's also my go to eyeliner if I'm planning on being out all day and night and need an eyeliner that is going to last throughout the day without reapplying.  I've tried drugstore brand gel liners that worked well but they dried out relatively fast compared to the Fluidline.  I've also tried other professional brand liners that in my opinion smudged easily and didn't go on as well.  Since M.A.C. is considered a professional brand the price is a bit more than you would pay for drugstore brand gel eyeliner but its a better product and it lasts a long time.  Plus when compared to other similar professional gel eyeliners I believe M.A.C. is on the lower price end (around $15). I use this product when I'm lining my upper lash line. I put a little bit on the outer half of my lower lash line for when I want a more dramatic or smokey effect.

L'Oreal Linear Intense Felt Tip Eyeliner in Black Mica

Hands down the best liquid eyeliner I have ever used is L'Oreal Linear Intense.  The one thing to remember is to make sure you are getting the one with the felt tip.  Liquid eyeliner is tricky to put on and it definitely takes a certain amount of practice before you can actually venture out of your house wearing it.  I have tried a bunch of different liquid eyeliners and I found that the easiest ones to use are the ones that you use like a pen or pencil.  It gives you more control of the tip so that you can draw a more precise line.  The felt tip also is very flexible making it easy to line up close to your eyelashes and bend enough as you draw your line.  The first time I ever got this liquid eyeliner I got the one with the felt tip and it was great.  L'Oreal also makes a Linear Intense with a brush tip.  I once made the mistake of buying that one by accident and it was the worst thing ever and a total waste of money.  I found the brush to be flimsy and it was impossible to make an even line.  I like this Linear Intense eyeliner more than other brands.  Also being that it is a drugstore brand the price is reasonable (around $8-9). I use this eyeliner when I am lining my upper lash line especially when I want to do a winged eyeliner look or cat eyes.

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-on Eye Pencil in Zero



I have mentioned this same eyeliner in a previous post.  It remains one of my favorite pencil eyeliners ever because it is creamy and seriously glides on super easy.  It's probably one the more expensive side for just a pencil liner but I've mentioned before that you can usually get one or a mini one when you buy one of the UD eyeshadow palettes.  If you choose to buy it alone it is a bit pricey (around $18).  I use this to line my lower lash line. 

Rimmel Soft Kohl Kajal Eye Pencil in Jet Black

If you want a good eye pencil that is not as much money than I also suggest trying out the Soft Kohl Kajal eye pencil from Rimmel which is available in most drugstores (around $3-4).