Legend & Inspiration: Jack P. Pierce

I want to start a new series to tell you guys about artists I find legendary and inspiring.  I want you guys to understand that not only am I a weird little girl, but I'm a weird little girl with even weirder shoes to fill.  I want to start off with one of the most amazing and earliest artists in horror films that refused to work any way but his own:  Jack P. Pierce.

image borrowed from moviepicturedb.com; I hosted it though!

Who is Jack P. Pierce?  He was born on May 5, 1889 in Greece.  He immigrated to the states and attempted to start a baseball career. Unfortunately (and terribly fortunately), he failed at that, and started working as a jack of trades of sorts for the new motion picture industry in the 1910s (his first credited work being as an actor in 1915 on Misjudged).

He worked for many years in makeup as an uncredited crew member, even during production of the infamous Dracula, starring Bela Legosi (who refused to allow Pierce to do his makeup on the grounds that he had always done it himself).  He was made the head of what is now known as Universal Studios' makeup department around 1928 (Dracula was produced and released  in 1930 and 1931 respectively).  Carl Laemmle, Jr loved Dracula so much that he demanded an immediate followup with yet another horror novel classic: Frankenstein.

Frankenstein starred Borlis Karloff as the creature, who was much more willing to let Pierce do his makeups (as shown above).  In fact, there are many iconic images of Pierce transforming Karloff into the creature.  Again, Frankenstein was a huge hit and Laemmle wanted more horror classics visited (and visited they were).  Over the next two decades, such films as White Zombie (not Universal), the Mummy, extensions of the tales of Dracula, Frankenstein and the Mummy, Tower of London, Werewolf of London, Wolf Man, Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man, Phantom of the Opera, and so many, many more in between (IMDB lists around 120 films between 1931 and 1951; however Phantom of the Opera was Pierce's last Universal Studios film).

He lead the way for many years at Universal Studios with his own style and technique.  He was insanely stubborn in his dislike for latex appliances, and preferred cotton and collodion.  He finally gave in to pre-made appliances for the first time in the Wolf Man.  However Pierce's stubbornness to drop the "out of kit" technique and it's associated costs, coupled with the dislike around Universal Studio for him ended his career with the studio.  In 1946, Universal Studios dropped Pierce.  He worked freelance until 1964, his last credited works being on the television show Mister Ed.

Jack P. Pierced died July 19, 1968 in Hollywood, California.  He is still revered as a huge driving force behind special effects makeup.  Sadly, he died in obscurity like many posthumously legendary icons of the past.

Previously cruelty free brands start paying for animal testing.

Regardless of how you feel about PETA, you need to go read this article.

I will be deactivating my mark. account now.  And updating my "do not buy list", as well as going through the list I have on here. I'll let you guys know when my update is complete.

Thank you to both Kristy (veggiebeauty) & Brooke (Brooke Van Gory Designs) for bringing this article to my attention promptly.

For shame Chinese government; for SHAME sellout companies.

FTC:  I was not paid for this post.  These are my opinions.

EOTD: Soft & Smoky

So the new Spring trends to watch out for are, as you already know, color blocking, and by refusal to die, smoky eyes.  Today I wanted to play with a smoky eye using primarily Urban Decay products.

On my face, I'm wearing MAC's Studio Finish Concealer and Studio Fix Powder in NC20.  I have on Too Faced's Chocolate Soleil Bronzer and Urban Decay's blush in Score.  I also put on Benefit's Watts Up! on my cheeks, but you can't really tell in this photo.  Really, most of my face makeup is gone now because it's been 10-12 hours since application.

My eyes started off with Too Faced's Shadow Insurance in Lemon Drop (the corrector one) just to try it out.  I put the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide on Shadow in Mercury.  I used the Naked 2 over it; Foxy in the inner corner, my beloved Tease all over the lid, Pistol in the crease, and Verve just over the ball of the eye to brighten it up and give dimension.  I also used pistol below the eye.  My liner is Urban Decay 24/7 Glide on pencil in Zero.  I used the Too Faced glitter liner in Ooh & Ahh with a flat liner brush below the eye.  My mascara is the Dior Maximizer primer, and the Diorshow New Look in 090 Noir.

My lips are nothing, now.

FTC:  I got ready at work today.  Some of these items I own at home, but these are all products I used at work.  I wasn't paid to share this look, write this post, or otherwise peddle these products.

Nutmeg & Coconut Milk Mask // I thought I was so clever.

I had read somewhere that Nutmeg was great for use in a face mask so one night when my skin was feeling particularly unhappy, I decided that it was time to give it a go.  I combined it with coconut milk, and was very happy with my results.  I thought that I was terribly brilliant until I gave "nutmeg coconut milk mask" a search on google and found this.

I was a little disappointed to find her doing just about the same thing as me (with the exception of using some poor, unsuspecting cow's milk instead of some poor, unsuspecting coconut's) but over a year before I thought I'd invented some great new mask.

OH WELL.  Let's veganize it & make it better, shall we?

1/2 tbsp ground nutmeg
1 tbsp coconut milk (whole fat & plain is going to be the most nourishing; I used the kind that you use as a milk replacer, but feel free to get the kind commonly used in cooking)

Mix these two items together in a small bowl to create a runny paste.  Yes, I'm aware that runny and paste are contradictory.  Slather the mixture all over your face, taking care to distribute your ground nutmeg as evenly as possible.  Massage all over for a good minute or two, and enjoy the delicious smell of nutmeg (and coconut milk if you're into that sort of thing).  Rinse with warm water and pat dry.  I found this left my skin very happy, but follow it up with the appropriate moisturizer if your face feels tight or dry.  Do this once a week to maintain that beautiful, hydrated, exfoliated glow.

FTC:  I bought the nutmeg, and there is a chance that j0hn bought the coconut milk.  I am not affiliated with the blog I linked too.  These are my honest opinions.

EOTD: I love MUFE Eye Seal!

So I've heard Danielle J. rave about Makeup Forever's Eye Seal for a long time.. and everytime I put that 21$ bottle of magic in my basket, I would end up putting it back for one reason or another.  Yesterday, I was faced with the task of a sugar skull, and I decided it was high time I made the investment in that precious little bottle.  Today I had time to play, so I busted it out with my personal makeup and came up with.. well.. this.

I started with Hope In a Jar, as usual, followed by my MAC Studio Finish Concealer and MAC Studio Fix powder (both in NC20).  My contour is Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer in Original Chocolate, with Hard Candy's Fox in a Box in Skinny Dipping.  I put on the Benefit Stay Don't Stray primer on my lids, drew on some brows with Tokidoki's Perfetto Liner in Sabochan, and set them with the Wet n Wild Color Icon single in Brulee.  I mixed some Eye Seal with MUFE's pigment #751.. and it just so happened that I had something purple-ish in my brush.  I put it below my eye as well with a pencil brush.  I cut the crease with MAC's eyeshadow in Blue Candy, and blended NYX's matte black in the crease.  It was the first matte black I came across in my collection.  I lined my waterlines with Smashbox's Limitless Eyeliner in Onyx, and lined the top lid with a mixture of Eye Seal and NYX's matte black.  I used Brulee again as a brow highlight.    I used two coats of Sephora's Lash Plumper mascara in black on the top, and one on the lower lashes.  I had on Kat Von D's lipstick in Celebutard, but now I have on the Tokidoki gloss Lion Pappa from one of the trios currently for sale.

Over ten hours later (the photo above is from a few minutes ago), everything is still holding strong.  =]

FTC:  I received Hope In a Jar from work, the Benefit primer sample from Mo, the MUFE eye pigment is a sample, the Smashbox liner came from work, but paid for everything else with my own money.  I am not being compensated for this post.  I used these items because I like them, and that is my honest opinion.

FOTD: Natural & Classy

Have I ever mentioned how much I LOVE my Naked Palette?  Because I do.  Since the first time I used it, I have been smitten.  So smitten, in fact, that I really, really want the Naked 2 purely based on my love for the Naked .. well that & the fact that it has the color Tease.

So I started off with my beloved Hope In a Jar all over my face to combat the random dry patches I have going on (thank you, Ohio).  I started off with NARS Sheer Matte Foundation in Mont Blanc, concealed with MAC Studio Finish Concealer in NC20.  I topped it all off with MAC Studio Fix in NC20.  I used my Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer to contour on the cheeks and temples, and Urban Decay's blush in Score.  I put on the Benefit Stay Don't Stray primer and contemplated the meaning of life.  I drew on some eyebrows with my Tokidoki Perfetto Liner in Sabochan, and contemplated some more.

I used the Naked Palette to keep it classy, natural and just a touch smoky and sultry.  I used Sin all over the lid, concentrating on keeping my inner corner very bright.  I added some Buff to the crease and blended it out towards the browbone.  I deepened up the look with some Hustle in the outer corner.  I put some Half Baked below my eyes to add some shine below my eyes that complimented my blush, and deepened that outer corner with Hustle as well.  I used Wet N Wild's Brulee as a browbone highlight and to set the brows.

As you can see, I have no idea what I'm doing with my lips today.

FTC:  I received the Naked Palette & blush from my very sweet friend Jessica.  The foundation and moisturizer are items I got from work.  I received the primer from my friend Mo.  Everything else I paid for with my own money.  I used these items because I like them, no one paid me or otherwise influenced me.  I reserve the right to my own opinion.

Madd Style Cosmetix: Queen of Hearts Collection!

I still remember being terrified of the ill-tempered Queen of Hearts when I watched Alice in Wonderland as a child.  When Mo announced she'd be doing a collection based off of the character, I was so excited.  When I saw the colors, I was even more excited.  The collection is a beautiful range of pinks and reds, and as a vegan, I'm always super excited to find pinks and reds that I can use, haha.  Even better, because they're loose pigments, they're super easy to mix into gloss, nail polish, eye seal, etc to use them as more than just eyeshadows.

The Queen of Heats Collection is $21.00 for five pigments and a glitter bag.

Here are a description of the colors taken directly from the MSC page:

♥ QUEEN OF HEARTS- a metallic red with pink and silver sparkle
♥ SEEING RED- red with subtle shimmer.
♥ PAINTED ROSES - a coral pink with rose glitter.
♥ OFF WITH THEIR HEADS! - a blood red burgundy with color shifting glitz.
♥ FLAMINGO CROQUET - a flamingo pink :)
♥ [BROKEN HEARTS - dusty pink glitter]

So let's dive into some swatches.. even though I'm terrible at them.

From L to R: Off With Their Heads, Queen of Hearts, Seeing Red, Painted Roses, Flamingo Croquet, and Broken Hearts glitter

 Make sure you get this collection, because like most collections, once it's gone; it's gone.

FTC:  I was provided this collection as a gift.  I will also be using it as a model of the company.  I was not paid for this article or my recommendation.  These are my honest opinions, and I reserve the right to them.

Five Easy Gift Ideas for Valentine's Day!

Does your girlfriend have a "makeup" problem?  Do you constantly complain about how much she spends on it?  You know what would be an amazing gesture this Valentine's Day instead of chocolate or flowers?  Show her you really pay attention to her addiction and get her these Valentine's Day friendly cosmetics!

1.  Tokidoki Til Death Do We Part Arte Palette - $10 (Exclusive to Sephora & Sephora.com)
This is an adorable little palette.  It's limited edition and comes with four pretty shades of eyeshadow and an illuminating rosey blush.  It's also similar in size to a gift card, so you could combine this item with a giftcard to say, "Baby, I love you, glitter addiction and all."
http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P297315&shouldPaginate=true&categoryId=5971

2.  Physician's Formula Happy Booster Products - $8-$15 (available at drug stores)
These products are not only perfect because they're covered in hearts, but also because they smell like roses and will make your girl look pretty and glowy.  When your guys ask why your girl has such a healthy glow about her, you can tell them whatever you want.
http://www.physiciansformula.com/en-us/product-line/happy-booster.html


3.  Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer in Original Chocolate - $29  (available at Sephora, Ulta & online)
This bronzer is perfect for every lady in your life.  It lacks the gross orange tones found in many other bronzers, and is matte for perfect contouring.  Even better?  It's color comes from actual cocoa, meaning it smells absolutely amazing.  It'll last her a lot longer than a box of chocolates, and has less calories.
http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P229406&shouldPaginate=true&categoryId=4225

4.  NARS Wicked Attractions Collection - $49 (available at Sephora & Sephora.com)
Let your girl know you find her wicked hot by getting her this NARS collection.  For just less than fifty dollars, you get a full size eyeshadow, and travel sizes of their eyeshadow primer, a kissable gloss, and a duo of their infamous blush/bronzer duo in Orgasm and Laguna.  All of these shades are universally flattering so you can't go wrong.  Even better?  It already comes packaged in a cute little box.
http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P301777&categoryId=C10476

5.  Tokidoki Til Death Rollerball Duo - $30 (available at Sephora & Sephora.com)
Want to tell your girl you're in it for the long haul and make her smell pretty?  Check out the limited edition rollerball duo that comes with extra pretty versions of Tokidoki's rollerballs in Ciao Ciao and Adios.
http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?block=2&id=P296220&rule=&categoryId=5971

FTC:  These are my opinions.  I paid for all of the items in this post that I own.  I do not represent Sephora or any of it's subsidiaries in any way, shape, or form.

REVIEW: Beauty Without Cruelty!

I am extremely excited to be reviewing these products from Beauty Without Cruelty.  This is a brand that had brought to my attention, and I was, of course, very intrigued.  There aren't a lot of full color cosmetic lines out there that are cruelty free and vegan.  If you'd like to know where BWC came from, read their bio here on their page.

So what did they send me?

L to R: Natural Cream Concealer in Fair, the Natural Infusion Lipstick in Deep Plum & the Aromatherapy Skin Care AHA Facial Cleanser

Let's start with the concealer.  It's creamy, it's rich, and precise in the best way possible.  I've never used a pencil concealer like this and I really appreciate how easy it is to conceal around my nose around it, as this is where some of my serious redness is.  It's also easy to use under the eyes and blend out with my C425 Tapered Concealer from Crown (they're a match made in heaven).  It's available for $15.95.

The lipstick is hydrating and very pretty.  However, because it's hydrating, I suggest using a primer or a good lip liner first, and like you should with any high contrast lip look, set the edges with concealer or powder.  I love the color payoff, and the color in general of Deep Plum.  There aren't a lot of vegan lipstick lines with this many colors.  Even the packaging is absolutely adorable.  They are $22.95 each.

The face wash is amazing and also breaking my heart.  I was using it morning and night, but I'm going to have to reduce this to just morning because I'm starting to get a little flaky around my chin, sadly.  Other than that, I have no complaints about this cleanser and I love how soft my skin feels after I use it.  This item could possibly become a holy grail item, as I plan to repurchase.  It runs for $11.95 for 8.5 fl oz.

Overall, I'd have to say that I am very satisfied with Beauty Without Cruelty.  The prices teeter around the lower side of high end, or the higher end of drug store for the most part.  The products are good, and even better, they are vegan!  I definitely recommend trying something from Beauty Without Cruelty today!  You can start by entering the giveaway on my youtube!  ;)

FTC:  These items were sent to me by BWC's PR department for use and consideration.  I was not compensated for this review.  These are my honest opinions.

FOTD: Spring Citrus

Sadly, the look is incomplete.  I'll edit with a picture of the lips later, but it'll be amazing.  (Edited!  I added the Urban Decay Super Saturated lip pencil in Punch Drunk.)

I started off with my Hope in a Jar to moisturize.  I then put Smashbox BB Cream all over my face.  It's not as hydrating as you'd expect, so that's why I moisturized beforehand.  I used my Beauty Without Cruelty Creamy Concealer under my eyes, around my nose, and a few places on my face (can you say break out city?).  I set all of that with MAC Sheer Loose Powder.

I contoured with Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer.  My blush today was Score by Urban Decay, which was sent to me by the lovely Jess (yt user: markgirlJess).  On my eyes, I used the Benefit Stay Don't Stray sparingly, and then busted out my bright shadows.  I have on Tokidoki's Soya all over the lid and up into the crease.  I put on my brow highlight (Wet N Wild's Brulee; dupe for about a bajillion colors, including MAC's Brulee), and blended in between the two with MTcoffinz Zoom Boom Pow.  I brightened up my inner corners using Sephora's eyeshadow Aspen Summit.  I used Sephora's Waterproof Kohl for all of my liner, creating the wing with my Tokidoki Donutella angled liner brush.  I curled my lashes with the Urban Decay Revolution, and applied a coat of Sephora's Lash Plumper mascara in black.  Right now I have on the Sheer Smashbox gloss in Glow.

FOTD / Mini Review: Natural Faced

I didn't want to get ready at home today, so I started off with my foundation, concealer and HD powder at home, and some Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer for a contour.  I waited until I got to work to play.

I started with my eyes because I didn't know what I wanted to do with my face, so I used the Naked 2 palette.  I had put on the Benefit Stay Don't Stray primer at home about an hour or so beforehand and let me just say, IF you don't use shadow over it immediately, it creases.  What a bummer.  I only used the brush that comes with the Naked 2 palette and I have mixed feelings on it.  I used the Foxy in the inner corner and as my brow highlight.  I used the gorgeous Tease all over the lid, concentrating it right in the center of the lid.  I used Pistol as my inner crease color and Blasted as the outer crease color.  I deepened the outer v with Blackout, and popped some Verve over the ball of my eye (right in the center of the lid) and just a tiny touch in the very inner corner to open my eyes a bit.  I used Perversion on my upper and lower waterlines, letting it smudge out a bit on the bottom.  I used Benefit's They're Real mascara for the first time ever and I have mixed feelings on it as well.

For my face, I used NARS blush Mata Hari with New Order as a highlight.  I put on Urban Decay's All Nighter setting spray, another first, and was pleasantly surprised by how refreshing it was.  I used an Urban Decay gloss, though now I don't remember which one.  Something with surprisingly little color payoff (though it does feel pretty, haha).

Models Own Mostly Vegan!

Models Own, a UK brand, has one of my all time favorite animal testing statements:

"Our approach to animal testing is simple. We don’t do it.

We don’t test our finished products or ingredients on any animals.

End of."

Another amazing thing about Models Own?  I emailed the company quite late last night inquiring about which products in their line were vegan, and if they had a list, and when I woke up at 8:00am, I already had a response.

"Dear Beth,

Everything is vegan-friendly but the lipsticks.

Thank you,

MODELS OWN"

If every company operated this way, I would never have to doubt what a company tells me.  This is prompt, thorough customer service.  Thank you Models Own!  & thank you to Emilia for introducing me to this wonderful company.  I can't wait to try more of their products!

January Favorites Pigment Swatches

Remember when I said I was terrible at swatching?  Well.. that hasn't changed, unfortunately.

First of all, these swatches are loose pigments that were named my January Favorites in this video:

Okay.. so.  Without further ado.. I'm sorry.

From L to R: Dirty Chai, Winter Rose, Spotted Elephant, King Moonracer & Yukon Cornelius

I know, I all but cut Dirty Chai out of the photo.  I will do better next time, promise.

L to R: Cruelty-Free Cosmetics' Silver Taupe & Models Own's Neon Blue

I'm sure the more I swatch, the better it'll get, right?  All of these swatches were done over MTcoffinz Under the Rainbow primer applied thickly.

FTC:  I paid for all of the MSC pigments or received them in exchange for being a model.  The pigment from Cruelty-Free Cosmetics was sent to me for use and consideration.  The Models Own pigment was a gift.  The MTcoffinz primer was sent to me for use and consideration.  I chose these pigments because they are my favorites for January, and that is my honest opinion.