FOTD: Inspired by Lady Gaga's FAME fragrance!

Today at Sephora we all dressed up with Lady Gaga inspired looks.  I pulled various pieces of looks I like dating all the way back to the Fame days (2008), mostly because I'm a hopeless fangirl, but also because that is the name of the fragrance.

Jillian (my lovely co-worker) chose a more subdued Gaga look, whereas I went for gold leaf, black "scales", black lips and as close to riglets as I could get in my hair in about five minutes flat.

Here is a better look of the detailing, though my hair & lips were not finished.  I used a lot of eyeshadow in this look, including Urban Decay's Blunt and Half Baked, as well as Wet N Wild's matte black.  It looked a LOT more dramatic in person, but unfortunately photos aren't doing it justice.  =[

Also, how do I like the Lady Gaga fragrance?  It smells TERRIBLE on me, but fantastic on pretty much everyone else (which is totally normal).  It's almost like a more sophisticated Justin Bieber fragrance, but in the best possible way.

HAUL: Shiro Cosmetics!

 Edit: I am editing this to add that EVERYTHING from Shiro Cosmetics is vegan!  I forgot to mention that before & this is vital because those intertubes have some pretty amazing coloring without including carmine!

I placed in order with Shiro Cosmetics a little while back for samples. I wanted to try a few things out and get a feel for the brand before I purchased any full sizes. Mostly because j0hn & I couldn't narrow down our choices of intertubes from "all of them". I waited for j0hn to leave for Mexico, then ordered a few samples that I felt he was the most interested in, then choose the rest for me.   His three choices (whether he knew it or not) were Me Gusta, Sad Keanu and Insanity Wolf.



To see what I got up close and personal...

TUTORIAL: Summer Lovin' Look with Madd Style Cosmetix!

I recently received my grab bag from Madd Style Cosmetix and fell so in love with the products inside that I was compelled to immediately apply ALL of them to my face.  I'm not kidding.  Before I started on my eyes, I already had the Frenchie lip bomb on my lips and the Cha Cha bronzer on my cheeks as a pretty blush.

Please note that my eyes are already primed at this point, as well.  Let's get started with supplies.

 

We have here the Korres Antiaging Eye Primer, the Sleek Primer Palette, pigments from Madd Style Cosmetix in the colors Kozmosis, T-Birds, Crybaby, Beauty School Dropout, Greased Lightning and Pink Ladies; MAC eye kohl in Fascinating, ELF Waterproof Eyeliner Pen in Black and Makeup Forever Smoky Lash in Black.

So let's get to business...

Birchbox & Myglam June 2012!

They're here!  =D

In this box:
1.  Stila One Step Bronze - Skin Ton Illuminating, Bronzing Serum; 1 fl oz
2.  Wonderstruck by Taylor Swift sample
3.  Comodynes Urban Cosmetics Self-Tanning Towelettes; 2 - 1 towelettes packages
4.  Luna Bar in Chocolate Pepermint Stick; mini size (0.7 oz)
5.  theBalm Staniac in Beauty Queen; deluxe sample size (0.04 fl oz)

First Impressions:
Birchbox this month was pretty exciting!  I have been very interested in self-tanners because I'm extremely fair and have no plans to tan.  I am a huge fan of the St. Tropez bronzing mousse we have at work, but I like the idea of a towel for ease of use.  I'm really excited to try this; they're from Spain!  I have theBalm product in the full size and love it.  The Luna bar is actually one of my favorite flavors.  I don't dislike Wonderstruck, but I'll probably pass on the sample to someone else.  As far as the Stila, I'm always excited to try new Stila products!  This one is no exception, and this is a full size product that usually costs $36!  This product alone makes this month's box.

In this bag:
1.  Philosophy Take A Deep Breath; deluxe sample size (0.4 fl oz)
2.  Living Proof Frizz Nourishing Styling Cream; 2 fl oz
3.  NYX Round Lipstick in Iced Honey; full size
4. Marbella Permanent Eyeliner Pen; full size

First Impressions:
You all know that I LOVE Take a Deep Breath, so I was excited to have this sample size to add to my brush belt (which also holds a sample size of Hope in a Jar and Eye Hope).  This gel hydrator is great for combo/oily skin types, or for people who are already using some type of serum that still needs just a little more hydration afterwards, not a full on lotion or cream.  Also, Philosophy is doing their 30% off sale until June 16, 2012, so take advantage of the coupon code Philosophy12.  I love Living Proof products, so I'm excited to try this product; also, this size is about $9-$12 in stores!  The NYX lipstick made me a little sad.  They sell in the Chinese market so it drives me crazy that their tube states "cruelty free" and I already have several colors close to this one.  However, I don't hold this against Myglam because this product is a good match for their demographic; easy to find, easy to afford, and a huge range of colors.  The last product originally left me a little disappointed, as it's a permanent eyeliner pen, but it can't be used with [contact] lenses.  I was debating using it anyways when j0hn (that brilliant boy) says, "This would be great for doing your eyebrows!  This is a good idea!"  I hadn't even thought of using it that way!  Three cheers for j0hnnyboy!  I'm unfamiliar with the brand, so I need to look them up.  They're apparently German, which gives me hope that they'll be cruelty free (European companies are usually more forward in animal rights; usually).

Overall:
I am really happy with my beauty subscriptions this month.  In value alone they were both excellent, but I was also really happy with the actual products I got in my boxes.  Look for these products to be in my June Favorites video on my youtube.. if they make the cut.

Day Eight: a daily must have item

I chose two.  I use my Philosophy Take a Deep Breath every morning after I wash my face because it's a lightweight gel hydrator that works really well with my combo/oily skin.  The other item is an MSC lip bomb, in this case, one of the mango butter ones; I use at least one of these each day.  I own like twenty, haha.

posted from Bloggeroid

Day Seven.

Oddly enough, I choose my LONG HAIR & drawn on eyebrows for this one, hahah.

So.. the last time I had long hair was in the fourth grade (for those of you counting, like 15 years ago).  Having long hair makes me think of being a little kid and pony tails and horribly tacky 90's hair accessories.. and that makes me happy.  Hell, thinking about the 90s in general makes me happy.  What a time that was.  Before that, I had chin length hair that was a long bowl cut that my granny used to give all of us (hence why my hair was really long once I had an opinion about my hair.. it was either bowl cut or no cut, haha).

My drawn on eyebrows?  Well, j0hn and I clearly have an odd relationship.  The night we waxed off our eyebrows together, though odd to most, was a bonding experience.  Also, it didn't hurt, like, at all, so it was an all around good night.  We giggled at how silly I looked, we laughed at how horrible I was at drawing them on, and we were bummed by how little anyone noticed that j0hn's were gone.

PS:  Also happy evoking in this photo?  The Cruelty Free necklace I'm wearing that Danielle unexpectedly sent me (makes me smile everytime I look in the mirror), my Tangerine Tango hair flowers and tank top (that I bought while training for Sephora in Minneapolis), and my snakebites, which were a gift to myself after I quit my "corporate" job, haha (see: Blockbuster).  My arm tattoos represent my veganism and my love for Batman, both of which are pretty awesome things.  =]

Day Six: Something You Wish You Wore More Often

I don't wear foiling mediums and bases OR fake eyelashes nearly enough.  Bases and mediums are always an after thought ("this would have looked SO GOOD over Awesome Sauce!!") and fake eyelashes are always a pain for me to put on unless they're only half lashes.  I need to get over avoiding fake eyelashes though because I absolutely love the way they look when applied properly.

posted from Bloggeroid

11 Questions Beauty Tag

I was tagged by Caity to do an eleven question tag.

RULES:

• - You must post these rules.
• - Each person must post 11 things about themselves on their blog.
• - Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post and create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer.
• - You have to choose 11 people to tag and link them on the post.
• - Go to their page and tell them you have linked him or her.
• - No tag backs.
• - No stuff in the tagging section about ‘you are tagged if you are reading this’. You legitimately have to tag 11 people.

So on to the questions:

1: What are your top five favorite musicians/bands?



Nine Inch Nails, Dillinger Escape Plan, Acacia Strain, Wednesday 13 (& his many bands), Marilyn Manson; I listen to a huge range of music (Die Antwoord almost made this list, for example) but for bands I've liked the longest & listened to the most, these five are up there.

 2: Your top eyeshadow primer?

I am currently using up a tube of Too Faced Shadow Insurance, have a sample of Benefit's Stay Don't Stray & regularly use the vegan primer Under the Rainbow from MTcoffinz.

 3: Best lipstick shade for your skintone?
Black.  It matches my soul.

 4: Favorite drugstore mascara(s)?

None.  I don't think I ever found one I'd call a favorite.  I did like the Physician's Formula Organic Wear one and the NYC Show Time Waterproof formula & at one time I thought I was in love with the Almay.. Triple Effect One Coat or something like that?  Spend a few more $$ and get the Sephora Lash Plumper mascara.

5: Do you enjoy practicing on others by doing their makeup?
lol, it's my job.

6: Can you record videos (or do makeup) with others watching? (Significant other, siblings, etc)

yes.  I have over 300 videos & my work is photographed and I'm given feedback/criticism at work from my bosses and co-workers.

7: Which do you prefer; loose pigment or pressed powders?
Depending, but probably loose pigment.

8: Do you enjoy foiling?
With a good foiling medium, yes.  With water, no.

9: How many times have you colored your hair?
I dye it at least once a month.

10: Do you like cats?
Not particularly.  If they live in their world & let me live in mine undisturbed, we're fine.

11: What is your most favorite full-face makeup attire that you've done on yourself?
I actually didn't think I could pick just one, but here it is:

I TAG.. I don't know eleven people with blogs, sadly.  =[

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.

Vegan List from Sephora

This list is very out of date.  Please do not use it as a shopping guide.  Check my list of cruelty free brands in the top bar.  I will be working on getting updated lists.  Thanks.

I do have a list specific to the Sephora I work at: http://bethbr00tality.blogspot.com/2015/07/cruelty-free-brands-at-my-sephora.html

I contacted Sephora and specifically asked for a list of vegan products carried by the company, and they responded with a rather long list, fortunately.  Unfortunately, she clearly stated that this list focused on which items were vegan, not whether or not they were tested on animals, so I'm going to have to go back & compare notes.  Also, I'm not sure how current/up to date the list is, which is another thing I have to check into as I compare notes.  But, regardless, here is the list I was given.  I added some formatting to make it a little easier to follow.  I know some items are missing because I know that Philosophy has a primarily vegan line, and they aren't on this list at all.  Their response is after the cut.

I'm getting the Dinair.

I had to title the post that way. I've made a decision and I'm getting it, damnnit!

The main reason I have chosen to get the Dinair has nothing to do with me, and everything to do with a photography company I regularly work with. They are, more importantly, good friends of mine. They are brilliant people and are constantly coming up with these amazing ideas for photoshoots, and their brilliance has forced my hand here. I need the Dinair. I have no idea how else to do some of the things they ask at even a fraction of a satisfactory level. Sure, I could stick with brushes and sponges and etc for some of the things they were asking, but I'd be limiting myself and their work by not making the investment. Frankly I'd be a tad embarassed if another mua asked me, "Oh.. why didn't you use airbrush for these full body jobs" and I only had the excuse of not owning one. An opportunity has presented itself to not only grow as an artist, but to help others grow as artists, and I'll be damned if I'm going to hinder both of our abilities. *fist slam!*

All seriousness aside, I had a shoot with the aforementioned couple last night, and am very eagerly awaiting the results. Our large friend from the Grammastola family got to come play, so I'm waiting to see how many people ask if she's real or not in the photos. Yes! Swisgaar is real. That's my public statement. You saw it here before the questions started, haha.

I have a tentive shoot scheduled with another photographer on the 28th. I have never worked with this gentleman before, which is always a little scary. Not that I fear strangers, but working with someone new from a professional standpoint is always a little scary. I love making professional contacts and mainly hate when it just doesn't work out, due to a difference in vision, skill, personalities, etc. So yes, I'm nervous to work with someone new... and cautiously excited. =]

Fellow Madd Cat Tiffany's blog

So many of you are already fans of Madd Style Cosmetix, and as such, probably fans of Tiffany.  And if you're not, you need to go add her blog RIGHT NOW.  As if the fact that she's pretty amazing isn't enough inspiration, she's holding a giveaway that includes, among others, a whole lot of Madd Style piggiez!

Check it out:
http://mrsaull923.blogspot.com/2011/06/giveaway.html

Madd Style Cosmetix = Love

Like you guys didn't see this one coming from a mile away.  =]

So a few months back I started modeling for the fantastic & fabulous Madd Style Cosmetix (then Madd Style Cosmetics, hah).  My sick love affair with this company has grown exponentially since to what I'm calling Pokemon-status (GOTTA CATCH 'EM ALL).  It's hilarious.  I have 13 purples & I need at least 5 more.  Yes, need.  Because not having every single color leaves a sad void in my life.

But to be fair, I'm currently panicking because I don't have Phantasm & I specifically need that color.  It comes with the territory of modeling & representing a brand; you need the resources to showcase the colors.  And I mean it when I say I need them all.  Because no two piggies are the same (which is both a blessing and a terrible, terrible curse, haha).

I realize that this is a terrible piece of writing and possibly a little too stream of conscious (and with my ADD, it's certainly all over the place), so now that it's 6am, I'm going to call it a night.

Go check it out for yourself:  http://www.artfire.com/users/MaddStyle

No, really.  Click on that link.  =]

Harri's Giveaway (aka GO FOLLOW HER BECAUSE SHE'S AWESOME)

So awhile back I was fortunate enough to meet a very sweet lady named Harri who also just so happens to be a blogger that you guys should check out.  If you need motivation outside of my recommendation, she just so happens to be holding a giveaway right now (BUT HURRY - It ends in about 20 hours!).

Check it out here:
http://trailerhoodchic.blogspot.com/2011/06/150-follower-giveaway-open.html

& on that note, I'll be back with something fun soon, though I have no idea what yet, haha.  =]  Maybe I'll try a phototutorial for some makeup.  It could be fun!