MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Face Color Highlight, Sculpt and Blush Powder SWATCHES

I have been adding a little bit extra to my make up look, over the years. Although It’s subtle, it makes me happy! Like right now I’m really into highlighters and contours.
Should I do an extra post on this?

A while back Make Up For Ever launched their Artist Face Colors Highlight, Sculpt and Blush Powder ($29 CAN) and asked me if I wanted to try it out. My answer is always yes! I Love when I can share Products on the blog that can be use for all skin tones from the ivory to Ebony. Especially when it comes to things like blushes and highlighters. When you’re deeper toned you need cosmetics that are going to amplify your look!

Wearable Pinks for Dark Skin Women + My Favourite Combo at Moment

If you follow me on Twitter: JENNMUA. You know that I speak a lot about wearable soft pinks for dark skin women. Apparently it's hard to find *insert the eye roll emoji*. A true unicorn. Let me start off by saying, it shouldn’t be. Some of us just want a nice pink which is NOT a porn star pink. You know exactly what I’m talking about!!! I'll spare you the imagery.

I know I’m a couple days late for #nationallipstickday but I thought it be great to speak about this combo that I came up with! I love it but I totally wish I could find this all in one bottle/tube. Either way it will due for now.

Arbonne: Smoothed Over Lipstick - SWATCHES

I know that I'm behind on swatches but please forgive me! 

When I heard that Arbonne had some new lipsticks, I really wanted to try them. 

I really LOVED Arbonne's eyebrow basic brow combos so I had high hopes for the new lipsticks.

I'm so used to wearing matte lipsticks that when I get something hydrating- I'm so shook up! These babies have the attributes of a balm but with the power of a lipstick. I know it sounds odd but wait until you see the swatches. One word to describe them: SMOOTH.

Arbonne: Smoothed Over Lipsticks ($29.00 CAN)

MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultra HD Concealer + SWATCHES

What if you were told that you had to keep your makeup regimen to three products.

Would it be hard for you? It would be the easiest choice for me.

• A liquid lipstick
• Lashes
• Concealer

Years ago concealer would never be in my top three "survival" products. But I won't lie, I love how awake it makes me look. Especially days when the world is trying me and I'm surviving on NO sleep. 

As a woman of colour, I know that we are prone to getting dark under eye circles. With the MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultra HD Concealer’s ($34.00 CAN)  you don't need a lot to get the job done! I also forgot to add that the concealers have a Anti-Dark Circle Complex with Radiance Booster.

MAKE UP FOR EVER Water Blend Face & Body Foundation- SWATCH

It’s time for me to update my Easy Women of Colour Foundation Guide by adding MAKE UP FOR EVER Water Blend Face & Body Foundation ($54.00 CDN) to the mix.

Valentine's Day Red: Sabrina from SHP

Valentine's day is coming up!

Looking for the perfect lipstick to slay in this week?

Look no further! I decided to make it easy for you.

I had the opportunity to talk to some of my favourite WOC bloggers to get the scoop on everything from their favourite lipsticks to lipstick confidence.

Meet Sabrina from SHP
wearing Sephora Cream Lipstain in 01 Always Red

Tell me about your blog?

SHP is a beauty blog where I feature my most loved products and divulge all of the tips and tricks that I've learned over the years.  I currently review products, create beauty looks for women of color and give every day lifestyle tips.

What is your favourite-

High end red

Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil - Dragon Girl

Low end red

Sephora Cream Lip Stain - 01 Always Red

High end pink

Too Faced - Cinnamon Kiss

Low end pink

Colourpop - More Better

SHOP HERE:

Any advice on how to confidently sport a new lip colour? 

My advice would be for you to find a shade that flatters your skin tone by looking at beauty blogs and visiting makeup counters, then test out your selected shade around the house to see how you like it throughout the day.  Also, if you are new to wearing color, try a gloss or light lipstain first so that you get accustomed to seeing yourself with a different look.  

Do you have a favourite WOC red or pink lipstick moment?

Janelle Monáe's signature red lipstick moments are all my favorites. 

She's amazing and her lipstick choices are always on point.

SLEEK MAKEUP The Gold Standard i-Lust Eyeshadow Palette eye look

It's been months since I have actually done a makeup look. I had a challenge with Fashion Magazine's Beauty Panel to create a holiday party look. I knew the eyes was an important piece to set the mood.. so I decided to try out the Sleek The Gold Stand I-Lust eyeshadow palette ($11.49 USA).

Let me start off by saying this is a BEAUTY. A true gem from their Limited Edition 24 Karat Gold Collection. This is totally the palette to have in your possession, if you're trying to get noticed this season. The Glitz and glamour of this six shade palette comes with four silky shimmer powders and two pigmented cream formulas.

Everyday Makeup: Cat eyes & Pink Lips

Right now my to go look is a cat eye and pink lips. It's a face that I can do in 5 minutes flat! I find it also looks best whenever I go with a natural canvas. That means no foundation, contour, highlighter or blush. No extras!

It's important that your cat eye is clean. There are so many advances out there right now to help you achieve that! A pointy tip liquid liner pen is vice of choice. Essence's liquid eyeliner waterproof “Black” is one of my top fives under $5.00.

As a woman of colour, finding a perfect pink is crucial. I always go with the one that has a blue base. If you see L’Oréal Paris Extraordinaire by Colour Riche  “Rose Symphony” in stores- Pick it up! It's a pigmented lip gloss that has a smooth application.

On the brows, I'm actually using a Revlon® Colorstay™ eyeliner. It's long lasting and the perfect shade.

What is your everyday makeup look?

NewYorkColor: Fall 14 Runway Challenge

Here is my second look for NYC Canada Beauty Pro program challenge. 

September's theme is Fall 14 Runway looks.

Do I go for Derek Lam's coloured smokey eye or Rag & Bone's dramatic Cat eye?

I decided why not do both!

How to Get the Look:

• I took HD Trio Eye shadow ($2.99 US) in Blue's Cafe and applied the blue over my lower lid. Making sure that it didn't touch my crease.
• Then I used NYC Waterproof Eyeliner pencil ($3.99 US) on my upper and lower lash line. Filling in any gaps and using it to clean up my wing.
• I took HD Trio Eye shadow ($2.99 US) in Blue's Cafe and applied the gold on my inner corners.
• On top of that I used NYC Sparkle Eye Dust($2.99 US) in Golden Champagne.

I finished off the look with liner + Mascara. Also a nude lipstick since the eyes were bold.

Would you wear this look?

School Appropriate Makeup (Guest Post)

I love wearing makeup to school, it boosts my confidence and it’s a part of my daily routine. Everyone has their own opinion as to how much makeup you should wear. I believe less is more, but do whatever makes you happy! True beauty comes from within.

Firstly, I like to apply my favourite foundation which is the L’Oreal True Match Super Blendable Foundation. I suffer from acne and dark spots throughout my face, and this foundation works perfectly for me. I only wear it once in a while, but you can opt for just concealer if you wish.

Filling in eyebrows is a must for me, and recently I’ve been loving the Anastasia Dipbrow Pomade in Chocolate. I could talk about this product forever! It is very pigmented, waterproof and doesn’t budge. Check out my eyeliner tutorial.

Lastly, add a nude lipstick that compliments your skin tone. This Revlon Lipbutter in Pink Truffle is my favourite!

And there you have it! A simple 15 minute makeup look for every day at school.

How old were you when you started wearing makeup? 

Tell me in the comments!

Clinique Cheek Pop- SWATCHES

I feel like it's blush week here, over at Spiced Beauty. I'm a sucker for a well designed blush.
I swear sometimes I don't even want to swatch them! They're so pretty. 

That's how I felt with Clinique's new Cheek Pop ($24.00 CAN) blushes! 

How cute is the name?

Vibrant yet natural-looking cheek colour that looks virtually powderless. In a silky smooth, stay-true formula with shades for every skin tone. That just-pinched look, simply effortless.

These blushes are getting rave reviews.

The formula is very light, pigmented and long-lasting!

SWATCHES:

On my skin tone, I would gravitate towards Berry Pop. It would look great with a smokey eye or a nice monochromatic bronzed eye. I could also see myself wearing Ginger Pop with a nice cat eye and glossy lips. The options are endless.

Shop the blushes below:

Clarins Multi-Blush Cream Compact Blush- SWATCHES

I honestly think it's the year of the blush. Well for me... at least. I have come across so many great blushes and were not even half way through the year! If I had to pick one of my favourite blush formulas it would be cream. I love how you can play with the texture to get a desired look. 

Check out the new Clarins Multi-Blush Cream Compact blushes($9.99CAN)! 

Absolutely gorgeous!

A cream blush that transforms into powder upon contact with the skin.

Does Benefit Cosmetics lollitint work on brown skin? Pictures + Swatches

Tints are the perfect product to use for every season. 

It's long lasting and requires low maintenance.
I recently received Benefit Cosmetics lollitint ($36.00 CAN) in the mail and decided to give it a try. 

Our candy-orchid tint treats lips & cheeks to a “pop” of dreamy sweetness. It’s the flirtiest flush you can get from a bottle…and its smudge-proof, smooch-proof color lasts from A.M. to P.M. Talk about stain power.

"Sometimes you need to try something before you knock it."
This is my advice for 2014. Not just with makeup. It applies to food and overall life.
I seen this colour and never expected it to show up on my skin tone. It was milky and orchid.
Not I took usual colour I would gravitate towards.
Guess what?!?
I Tried it and loved it!

How to Apply:

Brush three strokes on the apple of your cheek and blend quickly with fingertips. Repeat on other side. Dab on lips & blend. For extra delicious color, repeat!

As a bride to be, this is the perfect product you have with you throughout your journey. 

Especially when you want to take your look can go to the next level!

Valentine's Day Red Lips -Maybelline Super Stay 14 Hr lipstick

Every year, I try to do a v-day lip series. 

For 2014, I will feature mostly red lipsticks because I see hear/see a lot of WOC 

saying that they can't wear red. WHICH IS A HUGE LIE! 

Looking for something that wont rub off all night??

Maybelline Super Stay 14 Hr 

lipstick is one of my top picks!

Check out the Maybelline Super Stay 14 Hr lipstick colours:

I'm wearing Wine and Forever. 

Constancy:
Creamy (Almost a satin finish)
Price:
Range $10.00 CDN to $13.00 CDN
Availability:
Drugstore or online
Staying power:
It does not budge! My favourite type of lipstick!

Would you wear this colour? 
Why or why not?

Queen Latifah People's Choice Awards Lipstick Colour

I had the wonderful opportunity to "live" tweet during the People's Choice Awards and giveaway a special P&G glam box. During the show, I asked what Covergirl on twitter what colour Queen Latifah was wearing and they told me it was the Queen Collection Lip Color in Burgendelicious Q410!

Isn't it gorgeous! She looks amazing!

Image from Queen Latifah Instagram page

Queen Collection's only lip color with as much rich, true color as the leading department store lipstick. Adorns lips with rich color and saturates them with moisturizers that actually improve the overall condition of your lips. Available in 24 luxurious shades. 

Check out other colours from the line:

This colour is definitely on my list!
It's rich and pigmented!
I wish we had the Queen collection in Canada :(

Blush for Dark/Deep skin tones?

I have noticed, getting some ladies who are dark/deep skin tones to wear blush is difficult. I will admit it, a lot of us have had a bad experience with blush (or know/seen someone who didn't do it right). What a lot of people don't know is that blush can be the missing piece to putting a look together.

Dark/Deeper skin toned girls, whenever your lost picking a blush just go for oranges and fuchsias. 

For Spring/Summer, opt for a powder blushes.
For Winter/Fall, opt for cream/gel blushes. I used E.l.f. Studio HD Blush in Encore and I'm very happy with the pay off. I bought this one at IMATS.

Do you have a favourite blush at the moment?

RiRi Hearts MAC Eye Shadow Palette Her Cocoa Palette Pictures + Swatches

I love Rihanna's make up looks. She usually wears a lot of golds with a bit of bronze to make her eyes pop.

Her effortless look consists of gold on the lid. Bronze in the crease. Shimmery highlight and matte gold in the inner eye.

So it's not coincidental that she created a MAC palette which has all the colours you need.

Perfect neutral palette which can be used for every season. Not just Fall!

HER COCOA

Eye Shadow X 4

SRP $44.00 US/$52.50 CDN

No Natural Light:

With Natural Light:

Swatches:
(left to right)

No Natural Light:

With Flash:

This palette is a must have!

Available in M·A·C Stores September 26, 2013
Available online September 30, 2013
Available in all other locations October 3, 2013 – October 31, 2013

Sneak Peek: CoverFX has a new CC cream!

I always get so excited whenever I find a new foundation that caters to dark/deep Women of Colour. It took us a while to get a good BB cream in our colour and I was having a huge issue finding a CC cream. Every brand was way to light or I would have to mix it with my original foundation. 

Finally, I found one that sounds quite promising!  

Cover FX’s NEW CC Cream Time Release Tinted Treatment ($45.00 CDN)! It’s all you need for all day colour and complexion correction. This Do-it-all CC Cream treats, corrects and protects your skin with buildable coverage and is available in 8 inclusive shades. As with all Cover FX products, it is also clinically tested, Vegan and Free of the Inflammatory 5: Paraben-free, Fragrance-free, Gluten-free, Mineral Oil-free and Talc-free.

Availability: Cover FX products are available at www.coverfx.ca and at leading North American retailers including Shoppers Drug Mart and Sephora.

Once I come back in September from vacation, 

I will have a full review!

Bobbi Brown Make Up Rachel Roy Spring 2013

I had to share a past Bobbi Brown's NYFW look for Rachel Roy.
I know that this show was a while ago but I can't get over how amazing their skin looks!!

“Rachel Roy’s Spring 2013 Collection brings to life an unexpected dreamland through artful prints, pops of neon and fantastic fuchsias, oranges and pinks. To balance the brilliant shades and dramatic draping of the collection, the makeup features a nude palette of bronzes and browns. Dewy skin complements the youthful collection and completes the look.”
Lead: Bobbi Brown

THE LOOK
Skin: Hydrating Face Cream ($52 US)
Eyes: Sunlit Nude Sheer Color Cheek Tint (Nude Beach Collection, Spring ’13, $25 US), Burnt Sugar Metallic Eye Shadow ($21 US), Extreme Party Mascara ($24 US)
Cheeks: Antigua Illuminating Bronzer ($36 US)
Lips: Nude Beige Sheer Lip Color (Sheer Lip Colors, Spring ’13, $24 US)
Rockstar Products: Sunlit Nude Sheer Color Cheek Tint, Burnt Sugar Metallic Eye Shadow

I need that foundation ASAP!

Make Up For Ever All Eyes On You Set + Holiday Look

One of my top five favourite beauty brands has to be Make Up For Ever. They have something for EVERY skin tone. Plus their products are vibrant and always pigmented. I was lucky to get my hands on a Limited Edition All Eyes On You Set.

 A limited-edition set of MAKE UP FOR EVER’s essential products to transform your look from soft shimmer to dramatic glamour.

The set comes with:

• HD High Definition Powder
• Aqua Cream in 16 Pink Beige (pinky beige shimmer)
• Aqua Eyes in Mat Black 0L (black)
• Aqua Eyes in Dark Grey 21L (dark metallic grey) 
• Smoky Lash Extra Black Mascara

I had a holiday work at lunch and I had no idea what look to do. I decided to try out their directions Soft Shimmer Look! It's the perfect option for someone like me who doesn't a lot of wear makeup to work.

The Look:

Directions:

• Apply Aqua Cream #16 across the eyelid from the inner to the outer corner.
• Using Aqua Eyes #21L, line the upper lash line and smudge to soften.
• Apply Smoky Lash mascara to the top lashes in a zigzag motion.
• Finish with HD Microfinish Powder.

I did almost everything above but I added a few modifications. Just to define my eye a bit more I used Aqua Eyes in Mat Black 0L (black) to line my top and bottom lid. I then applied Aqua Cream #16 on my lips and added a clear gloss over it. I finished of the look with the Make Up For Ever HD foundation in 178.

I'll be 100% honest and tell you that I never wear pink eye shadows. I don't like how it looks on my skin tone but Aqua Cream #16 looked great on me. It kinda reminded me of a rose gold more than a pinky beige shimmer.

This set is sold at Sephora and is originally $65 but now it's currently on sale for $50!