2.18.2013

Depotting Mineralized Products!

Hey there! I'm back again to show you how I depot mineralized/domed products!

Recently, I finally caved and bought a Dome Z Palette ($25) to house all of my domed powder products that are too tall to fit in regular Z Palettes. At first, I was quite nervous to attempt depotting these products because they are far more fragile and their shape makes them trickier to handle. Once I depotted my first item, it was such a breeze!

By the way, if you've never depotted things before, this is also very similar to the way I depot all my other products, for reference. If you remember just one thing, make sure to take your time and be cautious of the pan and product to make sure they aren't cracking or bending too much in the process.

Things you'll need: A sharp, thin knife or pointy metal tool, burning candle, tweezers/pliers, magnets, paper towels/washcloth

Most tutorials I've seen also include flat irons, but I've never attempted to depot things that way. I'm sure you can research and find other tutorials for that method.

Getting Started: First, you'll need to make sure you have some kind of protection on your work area for cushioning. These products, when depotted, also tend to touch everything, which will definately cause it to get dirty, so this will help prevent that as well. I'm using an old and stained (sorry!) washcloth for mine.

Next, you'll need to separate your packaging, which will allow for better access to the pan and surface we will be burning. On standard MAC packaging, there is a small groove in which you can insert your knife or pointy tool and wiggle loose. Be careful doing this too rapidly because there's a chance you could bend the pan inside, causing the product to crack. Most other packaging will have this same groove, but if not, you could always try to burn the bottom, it just may take more time.

Now that the inner packaging is separated, I tend to use tweezers to hold the outer edge above my burning candle, just so that my hand doesn't get too close to the heat. (You could also use pliers if you want a firmer grip.) Make sure you have control over the product before attempting to burn the underside because it could slip and burn you or fall into the flame. Now, position the plastic into the flame horizontally, generally starting from the center. I hold it there for a few seconds, and move the plastic in circular motions so that the flame will warm any other glue holding the pan down. Burning the plastic will cause a bit of smoke, just be careful not to breathe that in directly or too much.

After the pan has been burned for a minute or so, the underside should look like this:

While it is still warm, continue to grip the side of the plastic with your tweezers/pliers, and use your sharp object to push the pan through from the hole that has formed. If the pan is not coming out easily, repeat the burning process for a little bit more time. Remember to not force or push the product out too fast because it could be destroyed in the process.

Once the pan has come out, the bottom of the product will look generally like this. These are not standard metal pans, but are clay on which the mineralized products are baked on.

Now, since the glue should still be somewhat warm, I like to apply my magnet to help it stick a little better. Z Palettes come with round sticky magnets, or you could use some purchased from a craft store. After that is applied, if you want to label the product using the original label, you'll have to remove that too.

This time, I usually hold the outer packaging with my hand, since we're not really trying to burn through plastic. (If you want to take extra caution, you could still hold the packaging with tweezers or pliers.) I'll hold the plastic vertically and quickly run the bottom label through the flame a couple of times, making sure not to scorch it. This will soften the adhesive and you'll notice air bubbles beginning to form between the plastic and label. Once that happens, you can grip the label with your tweezers and peel it off. While the glue is still warm, I affix it to the magnet, and voila! the product is now labelled.

Your finished product will look like this!

Now that you have depotted and magnetized your item, you can put it into a palette, and here it is with all it's other friends!


Top to bottom: MAC Clarity, MAC Sky, MAC Young Punk, MAC Supernova

This is so much easier than having bulky packaging, and plus, now you have items to Back 2 MAC!

I definately recommend the Dome Palette for all kinds of thicker depotted products. It's super sturdy and has more space to hold all your items :)

2.11.2013

My Cream Shadow/Base Collection!

Hi there!

To go along with my blush collection post, I felt like swatching all of my cream bases for reference and comparison.

As you can tell, the main brands I prefer for eyeshadows/bases in this form are from MAC and Maybelline.

When compared to each other, at least to me, these are pretty much the same. The only difference I personally notice is that the Maybelline Color Tattoos have a slicker and thinner consistency compared to the thicker MAC Paint Pots. As far as longevity, both brands perform perfectly! Rarely will I have to retouch these after they have set, and creasing is usually to a minimum.

I have also tried the similar Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadows in the past, and in my opinion, the Maybelline Color Tattoos are a close dupe, even down to the packaging. They still wore as well, and if you'd like to check them out, I'd recommend them, but do your research! Many of the shades have close dupes in the Color Tattoos. I no longer own any Benefit CCS due to my tendency to reach for Color Tattoos and Paint Pots more often. The Benefit CCS were still a product that I enjoyed and were great in performance, I just don't feel the need to repurchase them.

Now onto the swatches! I have quite a collection of neutrals and brights, and while some shades are similar in color, they are definately all different due to their finishes and opacity levels.


Left to Right: MAC Morning Frost, Maybelline Barely Beige, MAC Nubile, Maybelline Bad to the Bronze, Maybelline Tough as Taupe

As you can see, Morning Frost, Bad to the Bronze and Barely Beige have more of a frosty appearance compared to Nubile and Tough as Taupe, which have a satin and matte appearance, respectively. In the packaging, Barely Beige and Nubile look quite similar, but when swatched, Barely Beige is a cooler toned champagne with silvery shimmer, and Nubile appears more peachy and pink toned.


Left to Right: Maybelline Rich Mahogany, Maybelline Gold Shimmer, Maybelline Mossy Green, Maybelline Inked in Pink, MAC Idyllic

All of these shades have a frosty and almost metallic finish to them, and are so multi-dimensional! These colors, while they are still quite neutral, are perfect for fall colors, or adding a little color to a more monochromatic look.


Left to Right: Maybelline Edgy Emerald, Maybelline Test my Teal, MAC Half Wild, Maybelline Fuschia Fever, Maybelline Blue on By, MAC Imaginary

Holy Colors! Here is where the differences in opacity/quality lie with these bases. It is quite noticeable here that the MAC Paint Pots are more opaque when swatched, compared to the lighter shades of Color Tattoos. I feel like, if the Color Tattoos were closer to the formula of the Paint Pots, the colors may show up better. These still perform as they usually do, they just require a couple of thin layers to get true to pot color.

MAC Paint Pots generally retail from $18-20 depending on packaging, and Maybelline Color Tattoos retail from $6-8 depending on retailer and promotions.

Which shades do you enjoy using? Do you usually apply bases under your eyeshadows?

11.07.2012

My Blush Collection & Swatches!

Hi Everyone!

Recently, I've been really thinking about clearing out my stash and actually using all of my products I've acquired.

Out of all of this re-discovery of products, I thought it'd be helpful, at the very least to me, to take pictures of all the colors of blush I currently own, just for future reference! I've split them into similar color categories to be even more organized.

Coral/Peach


Clinique Peony, e.l.f. Blush (Blush/Bronzer duo), Ulta Heartbreaker, The Balm Fratboy, MAC Mighty Aphrodite

Coral/Orange


Hard Candy Skinny Dipping Fox in a Box, MAC Modern Mandarin, NARS Torrid, Sleek Rose Gold, Tarte Tipsy Amazonian Clay Blush

Light to Midtone Pinks


MAC Blonde Mineralize Skinfinish, MAC Lovecloud, Benefit Bella Bamba, Sleek Flamingo, MAC Dollymix

Neutrals


MAC Pink Cult, MAC Mocha, Clinique soft rose color, Benefit Hervana, Tarte Exposed Amazonian Clay Blush

Bronze/Plums


MAC Peachtwist, MAC Worldly Wealth, MAC Star Wonder Mineralize Skinfinish, The Balm Cabana Boy, MAC Plum Foolery

Magenta/Reds


MAC Supernova Mineralize Blush, Tarte Natural Beauty Amazonian Clay Blush, La Femme Brick Red

Cool Pink/Purples


MAC Coygirl, MAC Vintage Grape Blush Ombre (Light), MAC Overdyed, Tarte Flush Amazonian Clay Blush, MAC Vintage Grape Blush Ombre (Dark), Milani Plum Parfait

My favorite blushes definately have to be the Tarte Amazonian Clay blushes; They wear for such a long time, and I definately prefer their more matte appearance and blendability.

Second, you could probably guess that I also love MAC blushes! I've got quite a different finishes, and they're all a dream to work with. I love that even some of the 'sheertone' blushes are still plenty pigmented and are easily buildable.

How many blushes do you own? What are your favorites?

8.31.2012

Inglot Haul! Swatches & Review

Now, in the realm of beauty blogging, I definately feel like a newbie, since I've only really been crazy about beauty products for a couple of years. But luckily, I'm getting smarter about my purchases and really researching brands and swatches. Over and over, I would come across this 'Awesome' makeup brand Inglot, and eventually, I decided to jump in with both feet and order some shadows.

These weren't all bought at one time, but I like that they offer their products in pan form, which is awesome if you have open palettes and want to save some money. I knew that eventually I'd save up and get a few, or a hundred!, of their empty palettes, so I opted to start with Inglot pan shadows. Starting at $6 a shadow, or even cheaper with their 20% off sale recently, I thought I'd be a fool not to cave.

Now, I am a converted shadow buyer! I have never really liked matte shadows, but after trying Inglot, I can't imagine my life without them! And their other finishes? Forget about everything else! These have such dimension, and are definately user friendly! They blend like a dream and are the most smooth and buttery shadows I've tried. I think now, with my recent purchases, I definately have every color that I could ever want or need!

The only issue I had with Inglot, is one heard about around the world. Their shades are not named, but numbered and by finish, so unless you plan on buying blindly each time, set aside time to google plenty of swatches and take notes. I decided to label my palettes as I put them together to ensure that on my next order, I don't end up with duplicates of the same shade.

Other than that, I was blown away by their palettes and how sturdy they are. They're made from a black plastic, but are magnetic so that the pans just snap right into place. This is awesome for traveling and even the clumsiest of people; these shadows don't just fall out, and the translucent lid also snaps shut, so your products will always be secure.

Ok, now for the long awaited swatches!

I purchased two palettes, a 5 pan palette and a 10 pan palette. I figured having the 5 pan would make it easy to switch out shadows to take while traveling!

Note: I've linked all the pictures, so that you can click for a larger view!


Inglot 5 pan freedom palette


Without flash (L to R): 358 Matte, 376 Matte, 434 Pearl, 487 DS, 375 Matte


With flash (L to R): 358 Matte, 376 Matte, 434 Pearl, 487 DS, 375 Matte


Inglot 10 pan freedom palette


Top Row, without flash (L to R)
26 Shine, 15 Shine, 48 Shine, 74 AMC, 423 Pearl


Top Row, with flash (L to R)
26 Shine, 15 Shine, 48 Shine, 74 AMC, 423 Pearl


Bottom Row, without flash (L to R)
477 DS, 372 Matte, 338 Matte, 428 Pearl, 483 DS


Bottom Row, with flash (L to R)
477 DS, 372 Matte, 338 Matte, 428 Pearl, 483 DS

Do you own any Inglot? Don't you want some now?! :)

8.28.2012

Depotting Benefit Boxed Powders!

As a beauty junkie, I must admit, cute packaging does matter. It draws your eye to a product, and can make even the most cluttered bag more organized. But, every beauty junkie also knows, it means more space in your stash is taken up and there's far less space to grow! ;)

My Benefit powders were definately not lacking in the packaging department. I love how each powder had its own personality, if you will, and they all included a small mirror on the flip top lid, and a small brush, but all that packaging really takes up some space!

I had recently gotten a new Zpalette, and went on a space-saving spree! I wanted to depot anything that I could, and couldn't find a way to depot these! After my first successful Benefit depot, I thought it'd be nice to share with the class!

What you'll need: Scissors, A nice, firm grip, and of course, Patience!

First, you'll want to cut the mirrored side off. You can use scissors if you'd like, or you can just rip it off by it's 'hinge'. The cardboard is pretty easy to tear here, since it's not super thick.

Second, squeeze two corners on the side of the box together. You'll create a small space between the side of the box and the pan. Using your fingers, grip the side of the box and pull until it rips, being careful of course!


Note: On my Bella Bamba blush, the packaging was thicker because of it's slick design, so I ripped one corner apart, and continued to pull until the sides came apart from their base.

Either way, you'll want to repeat this process until you have complete access to the blush/powder pan.

Using your fingers again, begin to push down on the sides of the packaging, exposing the bottom cardboard glued to the pan. Once you have a little space separated, you can begin to pull the entire pan off the bottom, being careful not to squeeze the pan, which could cause the powder to crack.


Repeat the same process with the cardboard that is glued to the bottom of the pan. This may be a little more difficult since the glue is quite strong. Peel off any excess cardboard paper that is still stuck to the bottom of the pan.


If you wish to save the label, you can peel it off the bottom of the packaging, cut it to size, and sticker over the exposed pan. I chose to cut close enough to where I could read the name of the powder and it's ingredients.

Ta da! Now the powder is depotted! Not bad, eh?

Luckily, these powders are quite magnetized, and since the bottom of my Zpalette is a magnet, they snapped right in. If you don't have a magnetic palette, you can attach a magnet with an adhesive back (found at most craft stores, or free with purchase of a Zpalette) to make it stick to another magnetic surface.

Now I've got more space! These powders definately take up a lot less room, and I can see exactly what I have in my palettes!

4.17.2012

My Favorite Bright MAC Lipsticks!

Hey everyone! Long time no see!

I'm back with one of my favorite categories of makeup: Lipsticks!




Of course, there are millions of combinations you can do with your makeup, but nothing quite compares to how much of a mood change you can achieve with your lipcolor.

Since spring is upon us, I thought I'd share my favorites for when I'm feeling extra daring!


Reel Sexy (A), Watch Me Simmer (A), Viva Glam Nicki (S), Impassioned (A), Show Orchid (A), Up The Amp (A), Violetta (A), Heroine (M)

If you're wondering, Watch Me Simmer is a tad more orange than Viva Glam Nicki, which is definately more of a vibrant neon pink. Impassioned has a touch more red in it when compared to Watch Me Simmer, but they're definately very close, especially since they are the same finish!

As you can probably tell, my favorite MAC Lipstick finish is Amplified; they're just so creamy, bright, and opaque! Show Orchid and Violetta are both PRO colors and they also contain a little bit of shimmer and duochrome, which is so pretty! You definately NEED to see them in person.

I love pairing corals with more neutral earthy tones on my eyes and cheeks during daytime. I choose hot pink and purple lips to pair with simple black winged liner for daytime or even bolder smoky eyes when going out on the town.

What are your current favorite combinations for spring?

10.09.2011

Urban Decay 15th Anniversary Palette

This post is much delayed, but alas, I have some awesome swatches to share!



The second this baby was available on Urban Decay I snatched it up. Sure, $55 seemed like a lot to pay for a palette, but the NEW 15 gorgeous full size shades had me sold the second I saw posts about it.

Since I've had it awhile, I can really speak to it's versatility as well as it's quality.

First off, the packaging is a little bulky, but I like the fact that it's so durable and the attention to detail is much appreciated. I like the detailing on the sides of the lid and the fact that there's a huge mirror inside. However, if you have a problem with seeing fingerprints, I'm sad to report that this palette will pick up every single one.

Now, on to the shadows!


Chase, Flow, Vanilla, Midnight 15, Midnight Rodeo


Deep End, Evidence, Omen, Junkshow, Tainted


Half Truth, Blackout, Ace, M.I.A., Deeper

As usual, Urban Decay has the most pigmented, smooth, buttery shadows, and the only shadow I've had difficulty with is Blackout, which was expected (I'm not the biggest fan of matte finishes).

I've loved pairing the deeper, neutral shades with my Naked palette for a little more depth, but most frequently, I use Junkshow all over the lid, Omen in the crease, and Half Truth to deepen up my outer v. I also cannot say enough about how amazing the first column of shadows are for highlight shades.

For those of you on the fence, I say JUMP! and never look back. It's definately worth the investment and different enough from the Naked palette to be a 'dupe' for it.

How do you/would you use this palette?