Beauty Solutions: CARGO Oil-Free Liquid Foundation

CARGO’s Lightweight Foundation offers a longwearing, natural finish while its oil-free formula makes it ideal for all skin types. Added conditioners make it optimal for hydrating dry skin. The oil-free formulation of Cargo's Liquid Foundation creates a soft, natural finish, while providing all-day wear. Unique pouch packaging makes this foundation travel friendly, hygienic and economical.


Available Colors:
F-80 (translucent mocha/dark with yellow undertone)
F-90 (golden mahogany/dark/very dark with yellow undertones)
F-100 (deepest chocolate/very dark with neutral undertones)

Foundation Contains:
Vitamin E — An effective anti oxidant and skin conditioner that helps to fight the damaging effects of free radicals and repair minor damage found on the surface of the skin.

Vitamin C — A valuable anti oxidant which helps to augment the skin's ability to fight free-radicals that are caused by UV rays and an effective treatment of fine lines.

Glycerin — Maintains and boost the skin's natural water content by acting to draw moisture to the skin. It also keeps the skin feeling supple and soft and is especially good for sensitive skin types.


Trying is believing! It's everything you could wish for in a foundation: sheer color and blendable application. This foundation usually retails at $28, but you can save 60% now by using the code CLEAN60 at checkout at Makeup.com.

Beauty Solutions: Shine Eraser by E.L.F.

You know I love makeup and that I wear it everyday but I’m not one to carry a train case of makeup around with me when I leave the house. Usually I only have shine erasing sheets like Shine Eraser by E.L.F. and a lip balm. I’ll only bother to carry the lipstick that I’m wearing if I’m using a bold lip red or hot pink lip.

The Shine Eraser sheets absorbs the oil on your face without removing too much makeup along with them. They are made from a woven material that is highly absorbent. Of course you can use them even if you’re not wearing any makeup at all and they will work just the same.

There are lots of brands that sell these and some have translucent powder and some don’t. The ones pictured above don’t, but they do have Green Tea Extract, which helps to improve your skin's conditioning and disguise any small imperfections. Also, if you use it often, it will help to minimize your pores.

To use it, you only need to gently blot where you feel oily or look shiny and you can use both sides of the little sheet if you need to. Powder over it if you want to and you’re ready and shine free.

One last good thing on this product? The price: $1 for 50 sheets. Yes, that’s right, I didn’t miss any zeros in the price.

"Fashion Is Foremost Inspiration "

Micky

Beauty Solutions: Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch

Once upon a time, before face primers were readily available to everyone, I was at the airport waiting for my flight and decided to go digging through the duty free makeup counters. I found Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch Makeup Base and I fell in love with it right there and then. I've gone through tons of jars since then and trust me when I say it was some of the best-spent money makeup-wise during my teen years.

The Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch Makeup Base smooths lines and open pores and makes applying makeup super easy. It helps to control shine, but it won’t control it on it’s own. According to Clarins, it works because “acacia Micro-Pearls sink into wrinkles and fine lines and increase in size as they absorb moisture naturally released by the skin, smoothing its surface. Plant key ingredients and Vitamin E protect the skin.”

Once you open the little jar it comes in, you’ll find a light-salmon kind of mousse that melts right into your skin. It comes with a tiny little spatula for sanitary reasons and for the comfort of those who have longer fingernails! A little goes a long, long way and you can use it alone, under your foundation, or mix it with your usual foundation. If you use powder foundation and are worried that it might slip if you use primers that are not powder or are not sticky, rest assured that it won’t happen. As an added benefit, you makeup, no matter the texture it has, will last a lot longer.

I’ve tried a lot of primers since I first tried this one and I’m always temped to go back to it.

"Fashion Is Foremost Inspiration "

Micky

Beauty Solutions: Cargo's OneBase Concealer

Are you tired of spending countless dollars on concealers that just doesn't cut it when it comes to your dark eye circles or your skin's imperfections? Take it from me - I feel your pain. I had the same problem until a friend introduced me to Cargo's OneBase. I have really dark circles under my eyes and tried various concealers but this worked the best!

It is specifically designed for women who prefer to use foundation only on certain parts of the face such as nose, chin, and forehead. OneBase contains lightweight essential oils to condition the skin and add radiance as it instantly eliminates imperfections, redness, and darkness. It uplift your eyes (shedding years of your appearance) - not to mention that its excellent for even the most sensitive skin. And for the sensitive gal, OneBase is fragrance-free, easy to use and carry around. It doesn't hurt to try it out:

You can find this item at ULTA Beauty for only $24 - not bad considering the benefits!

"Fashion Is Foremost Inspiration"

- Suzanna

Foundation Spotlight: "Hello Flawless"

I’m always looking for the perfect foundation and I haven’t found mine yet, but today I’d like to share with you my thoughts on “Hello Flawless” from Benefit. As you’ll be able to tell, I’ll be completely honest with you. There are some things about this foundation I love and some I don’t like so much. I’d rate it an 8.5 out of a possible 10 and, honestly, that’s the highest I’ve ever rated any foundation.

According to Benefit Cosmetics, “ This silky powder cover-up glides on naturally sheer and layers beautifully for customized coverage with SPF protection. With 6 shades, it's easy to find your perfect match.

Tips and tricks: For a sheer finish, sweep "hello flawless!" on with your brush. With quick, light strokes, blend from the center of your face outward. Use it over bare skin, moisturizer or primer to look naturally flawless! To cover it all (& then some!), apply evenly over entire complexion with sponge. For spot cover-up, dab on boo boos & blend. "

It is true that it’s silky and layers extremely well. Achieving full cover with this foundation using the provided (washable!!!) sponge is fast and easy and powdering your face with the provided brush or any other powder brush (for example this Celazome Natural Skin Brush) is also fast and super easy. I’d recommend buying another makeup sponge with similar texture because sponges can take their time to dry. It has SPF 15 so it might not be the best pick for when you know you’ll get photos taken because SPF reflects the flash light and will give you a ghost-like white aura.

I never buy into the “radiant” and “luminous” foundations. I feel they leave my skin looking and feeling greasy and I hate that. You'll end up powdering too much and it will never feel comfortable. This foundation, whoever, leaves your skin radiant with absolutely no shine and stays on like a dream. I tried it out at Sephora today and walked home about half a mile in an 81ºF heat and it stayed with no shine whatsoever. So that’s the best part about this foundation. This foundation with be best for those with oily to combo skin, though it’d be also nice for people with normal.

Powder and Cream-to-Powder foundations are known to oxidize a lot. This means that in contact with air, the color will deepen. However, I don’t think it oxidizes much; it oxidizes much less than most mineral powder foundations I’ve ever tried. This is definitely a plus and a big one, This means you can put your foundation and walk out the door knowing the color will look the same throughout the day as opposed to applying your foundation really early before leaving the house to avoid looking too pale or having to worry that your face looks orange by noon. Now, as I'm writting this post, 7 hours later, my skin looks awesome.

Some of the down sides to this prouduct, would have to be the lack of color choices and that it transfers. If your skin is darker than a medium-deep tan, they won’t have a color for you. For reference, I am a MAC NC 20 to 25 and my Benefit’s Hello Flawless shade is 01- Me Vain? (Benefit is very original and fun when naming their products. I love it). And sadly, it transfers to your clothes or hand if you happen to touch your face. The transferring aspect is why I don’t give this foundation a higher score.

As I said before, this is an extremely good foundation and, to me, the best so far. If you like MAC’s Studio Fix Powder, this foundation is similar, only it’s better. It has a more radiant finish, it doesn’t do that nasty oxidizing and it isn’t as yellow. It is, however, more expensive.

Buying foundation is something very personal and everybody’s tastes are going to be a little different. I'd recommend go to a Sephora or other place where they sell Benefit Cosmetics and ask the sales assistant to let you try it and see how it works for you. Then let me know what you think. I love reading your comments, and I have a lot of fun replying to you all.

"Fashion is Foremost Inspiration"

Micky

First Date: Beauty & Makeup Tips

So you're going on a first date with a hot guy that you've just met and you really want to impress him: this night has to be perfect! You've found the perfect dress, shoes, perfume, and accessories -- but you're clueless on how to wear your makeup and what to wear. Having the right cosmetic application is just as important as what you're wearing when it comes to a first dates. Here are some beauty tips that'll help you make your first date a success

First, give yourself a refreshing start. Exfoliate your face, neck, and body. This method is great for shedding dead cells, softening your skin, and radiating your youthful glow. Don't get caught out there rugged and ashy. Instead, lather yourself up with silky lotion. Men love it when a woman has silky smooth skin --- he won't be able to keep his hands off you.

Although they say honesty is the best policy when it comes to a relationship; you're not so sure if and when this will blossom into something more... after all, you are prepping for your first date. Don't be so quick to expose your flaws such as pimples, blackspots, and uneven tones. Cover it up with a concealer. Here, I used Make Up For Ever's Full Cover Concealer in Chocolate #18. This concealer worked it's magic in concealing my dark spots.

Next, I applied NARS' Balanced Foundation in Trinidad. As I previously posted, I love using this foundation - it shows off the natural radiance of my skin and the shade matches my complexion perfectly. Unlike most makeup, this liquid foundation has a lighter feel; resulting in a translucent finish that smoothes fine lines and imperfections without appearing heavy on my skin.

Since this is your first date, I would suggest staying away from bright and bold theatrical eye shadow colors such as green, yellow, pink, purple, etc. They scream attention and may look tacky in this occassion; save those colors for a girls' night out instead. Believe it or not, most guys are turned off to such colors. Guys are more interested in your inner beauty, so try going for a natural, soft, feminine look. Here, I used earthy tones such as Lola Lola (neutral brown with shimmer), Fez (velvety cocoa), and Galapagos (rich bronze with gold flecks) by NARS. First I was going for the Smokey Eye Look then decided to play around. Not only do these colors compliment my complexion - they're excellent for day and evening uses as well.

Because you love your lashes so much, bat your babies to Benefit's BADgal Lash Mascara in black. I love using this mascara: the oversized brush defines, volumizes, and lengthens your lashes without clumping. Also, it separates your lashes beautifully without weighting down your eyes. One coat of this mascara will have his eyes locked into yours all night!

To enhance your brows for a fuller appearance, penciled it in with Anastasia's Perfect Brow Pencil. Here, I used Brunette - which is a dark warm brown color. This double-duty wand is comprised of a velvety pencil on one end and a brow brush on the other.

Just in case he makes you blush - come prepared with NARS' Orgasm. This soft, sheer pressed powder blush gives cheeks a perfect pinky-peach flush and subtly highlights with accents of golden shimmer. I love using Orgasm; the color goes well with just about any complexion and is a definate must have. Its no wonder Orgasm was chosen as the winner of the best of Sephora for the past 5 years!

And finally, give your date the ultimate lip service with a limitless lip smacking gloss. The perfect shades are always hard to find, but just incase you can't make up your mind don't be afraid to get creative and mix up different colors. For fun, I mixed Smashbox's Lip Enhancing Gloss Full Color in Aura (a light muted pink shimmer) with Limitless - Long Wear Lip Gloss SPF15 in Boundless (juicy melon). I applied Boundless - which is darker, around the outter edges and Aura - which is more neutral, around the center. The Long Wear Lip Gloss is idea for a long evening: it lasts up to 6 hours so you don't have to worry about taking frequent beauty breaks to reapply gloss on your lips. Want more; Here's a quick list of the hottest items beauty addicts all over the world are shopping for right now.

And there you have it: your First Date Beauty and Makeup Tips!

Don't forget these items with you on your first date:

1. A small touch-up brush, such as a Kabuki brush to refreshen your look

2. Breath Mints

3. Credit/ Debit card - a woman should be able to hold her own

4. Cell Phone - for emergency purposes

5. Most importantly, Your smile and sense of humor

Remember that purity is the key to beauty: use colors that will compliment your beauty and radiate your smile. Have fun on your date and good luck!

"Fashion Is Foremost Inspiration"

- Suzanna

Make Up Your Mind Missy!

Smokey Eye Look

Yesterday I got all glammed up to go shopping in the city (that’s what Brooklynites refer to Manhattan as) and decided to put on a Smokey-eye look while on the B train. Earlier that day I was running behind schedule and didn’t have time to apply on makeup before stepping out. I missed the express (Q) train, and figured what the heck – just do it while on the way. With little primer in tow I pulled the Smokey eye look in just minutes; then I worked backwards and applied foundation and lip gloss. I accidently left my concealer at home, but was able to pull this look off with the assistance of some random guy on the train. He kept looking at me so I asked him to hold up a mirror for me while I went to work. He was the perfect assistant: followed directions well, extremely helpful and we chatted about makeup. Believe it or not I didn’t get his name. But when I got off the 34th Street/ Herald Square stop I saluted him a bon voyage. I stopped at Forever21, try on some tops and vogued for the camera while in the fitting room.

Here’s what I’m wearing
Concealer: I’m not wearing any remember!?!
Foundation: NARS Oil Free Foundation in Trinidad (Of all foundations that I’ve used thus far this one matches my skin perfectly!
Primer: NARS Makeup Primer SPF20
Eye Shadow: Sephora’s Smokey Eye Palette
Mascara: Benefit Cosmetic’s BADGal Waterproof Mascara in Black
Lips: NARS’ Duo Lip gloss in Orgasm/ Hustler….. The color that I’m wearing is Hustler
Eye Pencil: Anastasia’s Perfect Brow Pencil in Ultimate Brown

Cheese!!!!