makeup

Atlantic Blue Eyeshadow

admin — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 16:49:00 +0000

The number of newly unemployed in the United States now equals the size of three cities. I visualize them on a map: Obsoletopolis in the Midwestern Rustbelt, Techbustfield out west, and Down Size to the east. Each would have a flag with a light pink field. Therefore, it seems somewhat timely to discover that the supplied eyeshadow offers not only an alluringly ambiguous shade of midnight blue, but a sales opportunity: starter kits for would-be representatives are advertised at the site with two sizes available.

There are plenty of reasons to avoid industrial cosmetics, even though poisoning oneself in the name of beauty is a long-standing tradition: Elizabethan cosmetics included concoctions of lead and mercury. Contemporary make-up is also chock-full-of-toxins, including known carcinogens. Zana Cosmetics offers U.S.-manufactured all-natural products, apparently “extra-pigmented,” non-animal-tested, paraben and fragrance free and mineral-based. “Our formulas are created with vitamins and antioxidants to be extra gentle to the skin.” Yes, I read The Beauty Myth, but personally view the choice to wear make-up as rather low on the scale of pressing social concerns. Cixous would suggest a more nuanced interpretation of the relations of aesthetics, pleasure and power.

Years ago, one (gay, male) acquaintance shared the following “joke”: “Why do women wear make-up and perfume? Because they look ugly and smell bad.” It was reported that John McCain heaped similar insults on his wife in front of journalists during the campaign. Charming. Once again, women can't win. If you don't wear make-up, you are neglecting yourself and your civic feminine duty—or revealing your innate hideousness. If you do, it is evidence of inadequacy. Also, it's telling and inevitable that the consumerist culture generates products and perceived needs: more toiletries for men are now available. The eyeshadow applies smoothly and wears for an acceptable duration. I'll smear some above my own baby-blues and go perch in a public place to let you know how it works.

Written by: Erika Mikkalo, April 22nd 2009

Beaches Eyeshadow Duo

admin — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 22:32:00 +0000

By Living Nature

When I think of beauty, I don't necessarily think of New Zealand. Amazing landscape, certainly. Kiwi birds and groves, yes. Extraordinary sheep herds with the corresponding climate legend that there are holes in the ozone induced by ovine methane, sure thing. I haven't read much Katherine Mansfield, although I was a Split Enz fan. But apparently this southern archipelago is indeed an epicenter of splendid beauty products.

The geological isolation has caused a concentration of rare species, and many of these are incorporated in recipes for Living Nature's cosmetics and skin care products. These items contain no synthetic preservatives, mineral oils, irradiated ingredients, and herbicide or pesticide residues. Nor are genetically modified or animal ingredients included. The ingredients are not tested on animals either. Finally, the austere and well-designed box with its block sans serif bronze text on a dark brown matte textured cardboard is made from recycled and reusable packaging. These products also pass the stringent criteria of Italian laboratories, EU rules, and German evaluatory standards. It would be difficult to be more pure. Interesting that such dedication flourishes in an open economy: New Zealand is noted as having one of the most free marketplaces in the world.

Not only are the components scrupulously selected and monitored, the names reflect the pure beauty of the mountainous skyline: blossoms, siennas, clouds, and ferns. I opted for "Beaches"—a combination of subtle browns. Males are not known for appreciating subtlety, but I persist. A previous attempt at assisted allure was a distinct dark blue. Although I sat in public and batted vigorously, apparently that particular lid-paste was not effective. Perhaps an on-site testing of Natural Living eyeshadow is in order. And if any of the respondents resemble the Finn brothers, I will not object.

Written by: Erika Mikkalo, April 18th 2009

Mineral Eye Shadow

admin — Sun, 19 Aug 2007 18:41:00 +0000

By Jenulence

Hypoallergenic: chemicals, preservatives and fragrance-free—this product was good to my oh-so-sensitive skin! As someone who likes to experiment with make-up, White Pearl Shimmer Eye Shadow by Jenulence was fun to try out. Especially on my brown complexion! “It looks great,” says a friend. Another agrees, “But it’s better if you wear it to a wedding or a party,” she tells me as we meet up for a morning coffee. “I know! I know,” I tell them, trying to convince them that I wore it at this time solely for their reaction!

The White Pearl colour is best for a bright and bold look, and even better for highlighting the arches under the brow. Admittedly, the mineral’s translucent quality wasn’t appealing at first—it took a while to apply enough powder to gain complete eyelid coverage. On the other hand, its natural translucent quality would look effective on lighter skin tones. What I loved most was its soft and silky texture and long-lasting results. White Pearl Shimmer would be an ideal shadow to own. You could blend it with other darker or light colours, depending on the effect you wish to create.

Made with powdered minerals like oxidized mica and serecite, this handcrafted, pure and non-toxic product can be applied wet or dry. Jenulence’s motto is: If you can’t eat it, then don’t use it on your skin! What a lovely, environmentally friendly idea.

Written by: Payal Patel, August 19th 2007

Mineral Blush (Satin Collection)

admin — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 11:10:00 +0000

By Jenulence

I have always loved makeup, so I was excited when I received this blush for review. I liked the small round container it came in: slick, black with a transparent lid , the name “Jenulence” emblazoned across the top. I think that it would be great for traveling or throwing in your purse. It has a screw on lid so there is no chance for spillage. The bottom label is in gold and contains the name, site address, ingredients, weight and the fact that it is made in the U.S. These are all crucial elements.

There were a few problems, though. When I first opened it, it was very light and powdery with a luminescent glow. It contained tiny little sparkles floating among the powder itself, but the color was too light, and it did not come with any kind of applicator. I have a large blush brush though, which I think many women own. I had a hard time getting that to fit in such a small container. When I did finally get it in the powder was so loose I took too much, and it ended up everywhere. It did not apply well and really did not cast much color onto my face. I had to re-apply, this time with my fingers.

The consistency and the color reminded me more of a pressed powder foundation than a blush. The color could be bolder and the consistency of the powder could be thicker. The container itself could be bigger and an applicator or brush should have been included. I think that this is an innovative product and it could take off, but it definitely needs some tweaking to really hit the market with a bang instead of a blush.

Written by: Amber Whitman-Currier, July 16th 2007

Black Sculpture Lash Mascara

admin — Tue, 22 May 2007 23:20:00 +0000

By Bésame Cosmetics

The Black Sculpture Lash Mascara made by Bésame Cosmetics arrives in an impressive display of packaging. The box is decorated with imprinted gold foil flowers, which match the exquisite gold tube adorned with floral scrolls full of high end mascara. The packaging itself would make this mascara an excellent gift to give or to receive.

The mascara wand has a medium thickness of bristles, which will work for most any type of lashes. The mascara itself creates thick, dark lashes. I have blonde eyelashes so mascara makes a huge difference in my look. I put on this mascara and was happy with the results. Unfortunately this mascara doesn’t last all night. It’s good for maybe four to six hours if you are extremely careful. After that it will smudge no matter how careful you are not to tear up or touch your eyes.

While the mascara looks great on, the fact that it doesn’t stay in place well causes me to have a less than favorable opinion of this product. Granted I have a tendency to have trouble finding mascara that will not smudge. So perhaps for those that generally don’t have smudging issues would be delighted with this makeup. Overall, I’d recommend the Bésame Cosmetics’ Black Sculpture Lash Mascara, but with a warning of smudging potential.

Written by: Sarah Eve Nichols-Fulghum, May 22nd 2007

Plum Sculpture Lash Mascara

admin — Sat, 12 May 2007 11:14:00 +0000

By Bésame Cosmetics

The mission statement of Bésame Cosmetics is “Effortless Beauty and Elegant Style,” and upon opening my package of plum colored Sculpture Lash Mascara, which was my first experience with the company, the packaging alone delivers on their intent.

Sculpture Lash Mascara is their latest product, and it comes in two shades, plum and black. The etched, gold case is eye catching and would add elegant style to even the most fashionable of make-up bags. As for effortless? Over the course of a few weeks, I was able to have a fairly good cry, take some very sweaty classes at the gym and walk in the pouring rain all without any streaking, and very few pauses to reapply.

Bésame is a young, Los Angeles-based company that is going global at a rapid rate. Unfortunately, one detail they seem to have overlooked was putting enough preservatives into their mascara formula. After only two weeks of use, just opening the tube of mascara allowed an extremely unpleasant odor to emanate, and I certainly would not apply it to my lashes. Most of their other products have experienced great reviews, and perhaps the recipe just needs a bit of tweaking, but at $25 a tube, the alterations are necessary. They say the average shelf life of mascara is four months; I would have liked at least one month in order to become a repeat customer.

Written by: Anna Utevsky, May 12th 2007

Mosaicii Makeup Bag

admin — Sun, 28 Jan 2007 13:45:00 +0000

By Tanja Koch

I don’t even own a lot of makeup, y’all, but when this make up bag came through my door, I knew I had to have it. Tanja Koch has an eye for fabrics and uses a diverse mix of vintage, mod, and retro patterns to create bags and wristlets that attract the hip and the fashion conscious.

As if the interesting outer fabrics aren’t enough, the bag also has a beautiful, smooth, satin lining. It is well constructed with tight stitching (the mark of an experienced seamstress) so the seams won’t come loose; this also allows you to throw into the washing machine with the rest of your laundry, as needed. Measuring 8 inches by 5 inches by 3 inches, the bad is versatile for those, like me, who might prefer to use it as a clutch. The size also makes it easy to toss into a bigger bag, like when traveling or if you’re the kind of person who must carry everything with you at all times, just in case.

Cute and practical, an added bonus is that Koch’s products are affordable too! This bag is only $25. So get one now before she realizes that people will pay way more than what she’s charging for her fabulous goodies. Or pay her what she deserves, ya cheapskate, because supporting women designers is sooooo feminist!

Written by: Mandy Van Deven, January 28th 2007