Technical Tuesday Tip

You've decided you need concealer, but where, what for, and which one? Choosing the right concealer can make all the difference in your makeup regime.


Here are a few technical tips to help you find the right shade and texture to suit your cover up needs whatever they may be.




Dark under eye circles - Choose a concealer a shade lighter than your skintone with a yellow undertone. This

Technical Tuesday Tip

You've decided you need concealer, but where, what for, and which one? Choosing the right concealer can make all the difference in your makeup regime.


Here are a few technical tips to help you find the right shade and texture to suit your cover up needs whatever they may be.




Dark under eye circles - Choose a concealer a shade lighter than your skintone with a yellow undertone. This

The 5 Best Blending Tools

Beauty BlenderI honestly don’t know how we blended before this sponge! It is the most amazing blending tools. BB is perfect for blending concealer and foundation to get you a flawless finish without visible lines of demarcation. Cleaning this can be a pain, but no pain no gain, right?MAC #217 BrushThis brush is ideal for working shadow shades into your crease, but it also can be used to blend

The 5 Best Blending Tools

Beauty BlenderI honestly don’t know how we blended before this sponge! It is the most amazing blending tools. BB is perfect for blending concealer and foundation to get you a flawless finish without visible lines of demarcation. Cleaning this can be a pain, but no pain no gain, right?MAC #217 BrushThis brush is ideal for working shadow shades into your crease, but it also can be used to blend

Concealer that's worth every penny

Love this concealer it is a very creamy formula. It's perfect for blending. This emollient formula goes on smooth, covers blemishes and hyperpigmentation. It also helps to lock in moisture so you can avoid the dry cakey makeup look, which is often an issue when adding concealer under the eye to cover dark circles or puffy eyes.
Even though, it has a creamy texture it is not oily so you don’t

Concealer that's worth every penny

Love this concealer it is a very creamy formula. It's perfect for blending. This emollient formula goes on smooth, covers blemishes and hyperpigmentation. It also helps to lock in moisture so you can avoid the dry cakey makeup look, which is often an issue when adding concealer under the eye to cover dark circles or puffy eyes.
Even though, it has a creamy texture it is not oily so you don’t

Choose the right concealer!

If you read my last post then you are probably thinking. "That all sounds great but what can I do to hide my under eye imperfections until all this stuff starts working!" Let's face it. It takes at least two weeks of continued use to see results from most eye creams and about the same amount of time to see results from any lifestyles changes you may have made to improve the area. So here are some

Choose the right concealer!

If you read my last post then you are probably thinking. "That all sounds great but what can I do to hide my under eye imperfections until all this stuff starts working!" Let's face it. It takes at least two weeks of continued use to see results from most eye creams and about the same amount of time to see results from any lifestyles changes you may have made to improve the area. So here are some

Eliminate dark circles and bags under your eyes for good!

This is an issue that hits very close to home for me. Even though I'm only in my twenties I have been dealing with under eye puffiness and circles for years now. Working as a makeup artist, I noticed many of my clients have the same issues. You can definitely use concealer to hide puffiness or dark area under your eyes, but here are a few of the tips I picked up from some pretty credible sources

Eliminate dark circles and bags under your eyes for good!

This is an issue that hits very close to home for me. Even though I'm only in my twenties I have been dealing with under eye puffiness and circles for years now. Working as a makeup artist, I noticed many of my clients have the same issues. You can definitely use concealer to hide puffiness or dark area under your eyes, but here are a few of the tips I picked up from some pretty credible sources

Coastal Scents Camo Quad Review

Geia sas ladies! I am soo incredibly happy it is the weekend, this had been a tough week for me as far as school & stress levels. But i have been meaning to do this review so i finally have a minute to do so. It is of course a review as the title says of the Coastal Scents Camo Quad concealer which i have in Medium. First if you have never heard of Coastal Scents its this great website that has pretty cheap beauty products; mostly make-up & brushes. Click HERE for a link to the website.

There are 3 different shades of the Camo Quads (obviously they're quads because of the 4 concealers)
Light, Medium, & Dark. They all have a white color for highlighting, which i find too white for me but there are other uses for it, for example mixing with a darker color to get your perfect shade. In fact you can mix them all, which i do sometimes.
There is also a Color Corrector Camo Quad which is suppose to balance out things like red tones, i still haven't ordered this yet but i would like to try it. I frequently use the two darker colors in the Medium on a daily basis. I really like this concealer in fact i would say its the best i've ever tried. But i have heard one YouTuber say "Its soo creamy its like butter" i would not agree with that statement, i think it has a nice creaminess as far as concealers go but its not buttery. Just so you know. But again its a good product & i LOVE that the price is only $7.95, how awesome is that?!


So HERE is a link to the Camo Quads, i recommend them.

Anyone tried a Coastal Scents product?

Have a great day!

~SassyAgapi

(product was bought with my own $$ i am not affiliated with CS)

Getting the right concealer

Makeup artist Bobbie Brown suggests yellow-toned products are your best bet for covering up under eye circles. African-American women should look for concealers with a warm orange undertone. Most importantly, your concealer should only be about a shade lighter than your skin tone or foundation color.

So how do you find the right formula? Remember liquid concealer tend have a lighter coverage

Getting the right concealer

Makeup artist Bobbie Brown suggests yellow-toned products are your best bet for covering up under eye circles. African-American women should look for concealers with a warm orange undertone. Most importantly, your concealer should only be about a shade lighter than your skin tone or foundation color.

So how do you find the right formula? Remember liquid concealer tend have a lighter coverage

Look, World - I Have Cheekbones!

As I was prepping for my TV appearance last week, I decided to do a little experimentation. After using my Freeze 24/7 Freeze & Go to brighten the area under my eyes, I decided to dot it along my cheekbones. Looking in the mirror at the time, I didn’t notice a difference; but watching the video, I’m amazed at how much it accentuated my bone structure.

Freeze & Go is lightweight, silicone brightener that can be worn under or over makeup to fix fine lines, absorb excess oil, and reduces the appearance of enlarged pores and imperfections. And it comes in a portable, metallic, pod-like package, complete with a removable mirror and metered dosage – so that you can look fab on the fly!

Look, World - I Have Cheekbones!

As I was prepping for my TV appearance last week, I decided to do a little experimentation. After using my Freeze 24/7 Freeze & Go to brighten the area under my eyes, I decided to dot it along my cheekbones. Looking in the mirror at the time, I didn’t notice a difference; but watching the video, I’m amazed at how much it accentuated my bone structure.

Freeze & Go is lightweight, silicone brightener that can be worn under or over makeup to fix fine lines, absorb excess oil, and reduces the appearance of enlarged pores and imperfections. And it comes in a portable, metallic, pod-like package, complete with a removable mirror and metered dosage – so that you can look fab on the fly!

Real Sponges Have Curves

Want an airbrushed makeup look, without the complicated airbrush part? Try Beautyblender, the ultimate makeup sponge applicator. Invented by Hollywood makeup artists, this sponge leaves you with a professional finish and a flawless complexion. Applying makeup with fingers or sharp-edged triangular sponges can waste makeup and can leave visible streaks.

Beautyblender’s egg shape makes application foolproof by allowing you to access hard-to-reach areas with ease. Its suede-like texture repels product, so your foundation/concealer/cream blush actually ends up on your face (rather than absorbed by the sponge). And its unique curves fit the contours of your face, leaving your makeup dazzling and undetectable.

Beautyblender is reusable (perfect for those green gals), latex-free, non-allergenic, and odor free...and makes a great holiday gift! Available online or at a retailer near you.

Real Sponges Have Curves

Want an airbrushed makeup look, without the complicated airbrush part? Try Beautyblender, the ultimate makeup sponge applicator. Invented by Hollywood makeup artists, this sponge leaves you with a professional finish and a flawless complexion. Applying makeup with fingers or sharp-edged triangular sponges can waste makeup and can leave visible streaks.

Beautyblender’s egg shape makes application foolproof by allowing you to access hard-to-reach areas with ease. Its suede-like texture repels product, so your foundation/concealer/cream blush actually ends up on your face (rather than absorbed by the sponge). And its unique curves fit the contours of your face, leaving your makeup dazzling and undetectable.

Beautyblender is reusable (perfect for those green gals), latex-free, non-allergenic, and odor free...and makes a great holiday gift! Available online or at a retailer near you.

One Concealer To Go, Hold The Oil

Today, I received an email from a reader asking me to recommend an oil-free concealer…which got me thinking about concealer, in general. As a person with combination skin, I tend to gravitate toward oil-free moisturizers, primers, and foundations…but I never think to look for oil-free concealers.

It makes absolute sense that if you’re using concealer to cover blemishes, you would want an oil-free formulation. But, for some reason, most concealers aren’t marketed that way. After conducting a lengthy Internet search, I was surprised to find that there aren’t many out there that make the claim to be oil-free. So either the choices really are limited, or there are a lot of cosmetic companies that don’t bother putting the words on the package. My suggestion is to look for concealers made for "oily or combo skin" - these formulas tend to contain drying properties that reduce both inflammation and oiliness.

The following are the fruits of my labor. As I am a tried and true fan of Bobbi Brown’s Creamy Concealer Kit, I can’t vouch for these products. So head on over to Makeup Alley for some unbiased and candid reviews.


Drugstore


Revlon Colorstay Undereye Concealer's exclusive formula and soft-touch applicator work to gently conceal dark undereye circles and discolorations, while giving you natural looking coverage all day. Patented SoftFlex provides a lightweight, comfortable feel. Oil-free. Non-pore-clogging. Non-irritating. With SPF 15 UVA and UVB protection.


Neutrogenia Skin-Clearing Oil Free Concealer treats and helps prevent breakouts with its easy to use click pen. Unlike ordinary concealers, this dermatologist developed formula contains salicylic acid to get rid of acne you have now and help prevent future breakouts. Natural-looking coverage helps to reduce the appearance of acne.


Almay Clear Complexion Concealer is an oil-free spot concealer that targets your blemishes with salicylic acid to speed healing, while never blocking pores. The sponge tip wand delivers the perfect amount of concealer every time. Infused with meadowsweet to help purify and clear skin as well as calming botanicals such as chamomile and aloe to soothe irritation. Not for use near eyes.


Department Store


The Supernatural Airbrushed Canvas by Philosophy is a multi-tasking 4-in-1 high-pigment powder that conceals, camouflages, and provides SPF protection all in one easy step. The lightweight powder is talc-free, fragrance-free, paraben-free, water-free and oil-free and the incredibly fast and easy-to-use sponge applicator makes this gentle powder safe to use on all skin types - from the most sensitive, to the most prone to breakouts.


Full Cover by Make Up For Ever is an ultra long-lasting, matte finish, oil-free, waterproof, full coverage concealer. Designed to cover major imperfections like scars, hyperpigmentation, major discoloration, burns, and tattoos, this light and creamy concealer contains a high concentration of pigments that stay put, making it perfect for use on the face, as well as the body. Full Cover is clinically tested on sensitive skin and dermatologically controlled for gentleness.


Conceal, shield and heal blemishes with Galactic Shield - an oil-free, waterproof anti-acne concealing stick. In three shades that suit almost every skin tone, it's your daytime avenger! Received Elle magazine's Top 5 Winner "spot-on blemish eraser" award and voted "best concealer for acne" by Real Simple magazine.


Clinique Acne Solutions Concealing Stick provides natural-looking spot coverage as blemishes heal, disappear. Its medicated formula works to cover and clear blemishes. Convenient stick formula blends on easily, under or over makeup. Oil-free.


Clinique All About Eyes Concealer disguises dark undereye circles while helping to reduce the look of puffiness. Long-wearing, moisturizing formula won’t crease or settle into fine lines. Oil-free.


Created for women with sensitive skin, LORAC's Oil Free Neutralizer is a specially-tinted makeup which can correct and conceal imperfections. Formulated without the use of harsh chemicals, this neutralizer is infused with rich botanicals such as aloe, comfrey, and chamomile to calm and soothe skin. The Oil Free Neutralizer can be used as a foundation, as a cover for redness, or as a concealer of blemishes, pigmentation spots, and under-eye circles.

One Concealer To Go, Hold The Oil

Today, I received an email from a reader asking me to recommend an oil-free concealer…which got me thinking about concealer, in general. As a person with combination skin, I tend to gravitate toward oil-free moisturizers, primers, and foundations…but I never think to look for oil-free concealers.

It makes absolute sense that if you’re using concealer to cover blemishes, you would want an oil-free formulation. But, for some reason, most concealers aren’t marketed that way. After conducting a lengthy Internet search, I was surprised to find that there aren’t many out there that make the claim to be oil-free. So either the choices really are limited, or there are a lot of cosmetic companies that don’t bother putting the words on the package. My suggestion is to look for concealers made for "oily or combo skin" - these formulas tend to contain drying properties that reduce both inflammation and oiliness.

The following are the fruits of my labor. As I am a tried and true fan of Bobbi Brown’s Creamy Concealer Kit, I can’t vouch for these products. So head on over to Makeup Alley for some unbiased and candid reviews.


Drugstore


Revlon Colorstay Undereye Concealer's exclusive formula and soft-touch applicator work to gently conceal dark undereye circles and discolorations, while giving you natural looking coverage all day. Patented SoftFlex provides a lightweight, comfortable feel. Oil-free. Non-pore-clogging. Non-irritating. With SPF 15 UVA and UVB protection.


Neutrogenia Skin-Clearing Oil Free Concealer treats and helps prevent breakouts with its easy to use click pen. Unlike ordinary concealers, this dermatologist developed formula contains salicylic acid to get rid of acne you have now and help prevent future breakouts. Natural-looking coverage helps to reduce the appearance of acne.


Almay Clear Complexion Concealer is an oil-free spot concealer that targets your blemishes with salicylic acid to speed healing, while never blocking pores. The sponge tip wand delivers the perfect amount of concealer every time. Infused with meadowsweet to help purify and clear skin as well as calming botanicals such as chamomile and aloe to soothe irritation. Not for use near eyes.


Department Store


The Supernatural Airbrushed Canvas by Philosophy is a multi-tasking 4-in-1 high-pigment powder that conceals, camouflages, and provides SPF protection all in one easy step. The lightweight powder is talc-free, fragrance-free, paraben-free, water-free and oil-free and the incredibly fast and easy-to-use sponge applicator makes this gentle powder safe to use on all skin types - from the most sensitive, to the most prone to breakouts.


Full Cover by Make Up For Ever is an ultra long-lasting, matte finish, oil-free, waterproof, full coverage concealer. Designed to cover major imperfections like scars, hyperpigmentation, major discoloration, burns, and tattoos, this light and creamy concealer contains a high concentration of pigments that stay put, making it perfect for use on the face, as well as the body. Full Cover is clinically tested on sensitive skin and dermatologically controlled for gentleness.


Conceal, shield and heal blemishes with Galactic Shield - an oil-free, waterproof anti-acne concealing stick. In three shades that suit almost every skin tone, it's your daytime avenger! Received Elle magazine's Top 5 Winner "spot-on blemish eraser" award and voted "best concealer for acne" by Real Simple magazine.


Clinique Acne Solutions Concealing Stick provides natural-looking spot coverage as blemishes heal, disappear. Its medicated formula works to cover and clear blemishes. Convenient stick formula blends on easily, under or over makeup. Oil-free.


Clinique All About Eyes Concealer disguises dark undereye circles while helping to reduce the look of puffiness. Long-wearing, moisturizing formula won’t crease or settle into fine lines. Oil-free.


Created for women with sensitive skin, LORAC's Oil Free Neutralizer is a specially-tinted makeup which can correct and conceal imperfections. Formulated without the use of harsh chemicals, this neutralizer is infused with rich botanicals such as aloe, comfrey, and chamomile to calm and soothe skin. The Oil Free Neutralizer can be used as a foundation, as a cover for redness, or as a concealer of blemishes, pigmentation spots, and under-eye circles.

Vow to Be Beautiful

Today, my Internet surfing took me to InStyle.com – where I stumbled upon an article about the summer celebrity weddings of 2007. Looking at the glowing faces and wide smiles of Rebecca Romijn, Katie Holmes, and Eva Longoria made me remember my own nuptials three months ago.

I felt more beautiful on my wedding day than any other moment in my life. Mainly, it was because I was marrying my true love and best friend, but I have to admit that my makeup choices didn’t hurt any.

Bridal beauty is tricky because you want to appear fresh, but you also want your look to last. And while you want to be a drop dead gorgeous bride, you don’t want to look at your photos later and ask yourself - who is that?

“On your wedding day you should look like yourself at your most beautiful,” says Bobbi Brown.

I spent a long time figuring out which beauty products I would use to look special on my special day. And I think all of my research and makeup trials paid off (if I do say so myself). The following were the contents of my wedding beauty bag:

Laura Mercier Oil Free Foundation Primer* creates a smooth, invisible layer that acts as a buffer between skin and makeup, and helps makeup stay fresh and color-true for hours. Available in three formulas – regular, hydrating, and oil-free (for shiny gals, like me).

Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer Kit includes concealer on top and sheer loose powder on the bottom to set concealer for long-lasting wear. I’ve had this kit for years, and I swear it’s bottomless – a little goes a very long way. Awarded Brides Magazine 'Beauty Makeup Award' (May/ June 2007 issue).

If you want to look flawless, but your skin is far from it – look no farther than Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation*. Its sheer texture evens out dark spots and delivers an airbrushed finish. At $55, it’s a splurge – but one you won’t regret when you see yourself in photos.

Clinique Perfectly Real Compact Makeup* is, technically, foundation – but I use it as powder. Its silky, oil-free formula looks like your skin - only better. The buildable coverage lasts for hours, yet weighs nothing. Can be applied with a brush, sponge, or puff.

Diorshow Mascara* is an industry cult-fave, creating the longest, thickest, curviest lashes ever, resulting in an ultra-glam "just-off-the-catwalk" look. I accidentally bought the regular formula, but it held up beautifully though the vows, toasts, and even the dance with my dad.

My wedding day blush was actually a bronzer – Giorgio Armani Sheer Bronzer in #2. The finely-milled powder imparts sheer, buildable color that warms the skin with a subtle shimmer.




Armani Silk Lipstick clings to lips without the dryness that usually accompanies many long-last formulas. Available in a palette of 18 signature shades with 3 must-have fashion top coat lip accessories to be layered for a matte, satin, or sparkling effect.

Add Giorgio Armani Lip Shimmer over lipstick to give more depth, intensity and shine to the shade. Lip Shimmer is a sophisticated, shimmering translucent gloss – without any of the tackiness that typically traps stray hairs like a magnet.

*Holy Grail