The Return of YourMakeupGal

Well, hello there stranger.

I had no clue that it's has been such a long time since I've been up on the blogging game.  It's funny how life just sneaks up on you and instantly takes over everything you thought you had under control.  I am still trying to figure out this adulating thing, I suppose.

Quick update:  life is good.  GREAT, actually.  I still live in Atlanta.  I have an amazing job working for a large MAC Cosmetics location that requires most of my time and attention.  The rest of it, I openly give to my very energetic puppy and the amazing friends I've made since moving to Atlanta 2 years ago!  Yes, 2 YEARS!

So here is my re-commitment to myself...  BLOG more.  I need to remember to share my work with the world as I am definitely still doing makeup amongst the management world of retail cosmetics.  I no longer will be lazy about posting reviews and pictures of my work!!

So as a kickoff, post vacation...  here is a list of items I am currently obsessed with...

• MAC Cosmetics Lightful C Tinted Cream SPF 30 with Radiance Booster
• MAC Cosmetics Select Sheer Powder
• MAC Cosmetics InstaCurl Lash
• Sephora Fine Line Waterproof 24 HR Eyeliner
• MAC Cosmetics Veluxe Brow Liner

This list came to mind while visiting my friends recently in Jacksonville.  Knowing how makeup obsessed I am, a few comments were made about how I travel with such little makeup.  Honestly though, who really wants to be bothered with a heavy makeup case and a full face of makeup in 100 degree weather?  Not I!!  And yes, there are times when I love to throw on a full face of makeup but vacation calls for a "less is more" take on makeup in my humble opinion.  So take a peek at these items.  Give them a try.  I promise you that it will be great!

Makeupalley & YourMakeupGal

Hey dolls! I've had a lot of people asking for product recommendations lately. Like, what works best for covering roseca? Is a primer really necessary?? How do I cover age/sun spots?? I know that everyone has their own tips/tricks of the trade and I can only speak on what has worked for me through experience. After 5 years of doing makeup, I can honestly say that I'm still learning. And I never get tired of talking makeup!!! So feel free to call me at #321.279.6543 or email me at christien@yourmakeupgal.com with any questions you might have.

Also, I leave product reviews on www.makeupalley.com (and not just MAC products) so feel free to check those out as well! In fact, click HERE to check out a rcent review I did on one of my favorite foundations, MAC Face and Body.

luscious lips

It's no secret that Makeup Forever is one of my all time favorite lines. Everything is packed full of pigment so there is always a ton of payoff. And with the new Rouge Artist Intense lipsticks, fall is sure to have some luscious, colorful lips. These lipsticks are creamy enough to glide on the lips but still leave a powerful statement of color behind. I've been walking around with #32 (satin soft pink) and so far, I'm in love! Also... until September 15, KISS FOR A CAUSE is going on. Sephora will donate $1 from every qualifying red lip purchase (#43 moulin rouge or #17 gold), to benefit the Beauty Bus Foundation which provides in-home beauty treatments to terminally and chronically ill patients and their caregivers (www.beautybus.org).

proof that a little goes a long way

Like most people, I have very dry skin. I use a thick moisturizer at night and a lighter one during the day. Often in the winter, I apply a light moisturizer underneath my tinted moisturizer just to keep my skin from feeling parched. Drinking a lot of water will most certainly help with skin dryness but there are some phenomenal products out there to assist in the battle over dryness as well. For the past few months, I have been using the Makeup Forever HD Elixir to help my skin achieve the look of perfection. I first purchased this hydrating, smoothing elixir in January when my skin was starting to look blah from the harsh winter. The first thing I noticed after applying it to my freshly washed face is that my skin instantly felt hydrated. And then after applying a primer and my usual tinted moisturizer, I noticed my skin looked much brighter. My skin has been looking rather flawless in pictures as well since I started using this elixir. The bottle is a little pricy ($38 for .40 oz) so I don't apply the elixir every day. In fact, I typically only apply it 2-4 times/week and most always when I know pictures will be taken!

I have used many different mascara brands and types over the years. I understand that everyone has a different preference for how they expect their mascara to perform. The formula of the mascara shouldn't be drying or bothersome to your eyes. I have naturally long lashes so I look for volumizing mascara. The L'Oreal Extra Volume Collagen Mascara does wonders for my lashes. When I wear this mascara, people usually ask me if I am wearing false lashes!! I proudly reply, "No, it's all naturale." Well, with a little help from Mr. Collagen booster. This mascara does wonders for plumping so your lashes look full and volumptous.

Just remember to buy a new mascara at least every three months to maintain cleanliness in your makeup bag and prevent eye irritation.

all time FAVE!

I am a self-proclaimed beauty product junkie. At any given time, I probably have at least six or more lip glosses/lipsticks in my bag. I'll never admit to how many I actually own. But in the process of moving (ugh!), I noticed that I have one lip gloss (and only one) that I have ever used in its entirety! Life on the A List by Benefit Cosmetics is apparently my all time favorite lip gloss because I haven't had it that long and it's gone. Well, long enough that the packaging has changed but the actual product hasn't. I tested this statement out recently at a Sephora. I guess this is a testament to how much I love Benefit Cosmetics, huh?! Anyhoo. I recommend you try out this gloss because it's soft pink that looks great alone or layered on top of practically any color lipstick. This gloss is great too because it's not too sticky and doesn't feel heavy at all!

the bolder, the better

I was in VEGAS this past weekend for a friend's bachelorette party and this picture reminded me that I am always trying to get other people to wear lip color!! I have worked with SO many ladies who tell me that they never wear lipstick or that they only wear plain lip balm/a sheer lip gloss. Well I have just one question. WHY?! I will definitely agree that there are times when sheer is all that works, but don't be afraid of color ladies. BE BOLD!!

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I know there are a ton of color options in stores and I also know that trying something new can get overwhelming but trust your judgement. Think of your wardrobe. What colors tend to look good on you and bring you a ton of compliments? If there is a little extra pep in your step when you wear hot pink, then let's start there. Get the idea?!

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And as far as wardrobe is concerned, stick to a basic black or white ensemble as you begin to experiment with a bold new lip color. And remember to keep the rest of your makeup VERY simple. Bold lips tend to look good with basic black eyeliner and loads of mascara. Another idea for first timers is to wear it around the house for a few days when doing laundry, cooking dinner, etc. until you warm up to actually venturing outside with your fabulous new look!

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A good rule of thumb when wearing a bold lip color is to apply in layers to give it maximum staying power. Start with a lip stain or lip liner that matches your lipstick shade. Personally, I LOVE the CoverGirl OutLast Lip Stains under just about anything. Then apply the first layer of lipstick (this is a time when brushes work wonders). Next blot your lips with tissue. Apply another layer and VIOLA!

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So I challenge you to put your best face foward and embrace the more colorful options in lipstick...

Here are a few of MY personal favs!

Benefit Cosmetics Silky Finish Lipstick - Frenched

Neutrogena MoistureShine Lipstick with SPF20 - Tickled Pink

Sephora Brand Maniac Long Wearing Lipstick - #10







And also, click HERE for an article from ALLURE magazine on how to wear red lipstick.

MUST v. LUST v. COVET

Everyone has that one item they just can't live without. We all know that mine is mascara. NOT leaving the house the without it. But I love a creamy, stay-put all day eye pencil. Eye pencils can help create a subtle makeup look by making eyes look more open and awake. Or they can be piled on and smudged out for a dramatic look. I like to layer pencils for a cool color block effect. Here are three options for eye pencil sets that I found while perusing Sephora.com today...
MUST

Sephora's Flashy Liner Waterproof Gift Set ($20)

Definitely a steal in terms of eye pencils. Creamy. Waterproof. And just a hint of glimmer in each one to add a little sparkle to the eye.

LUST

Urban Decay 24/7 Super Stash ($36)

Creamy texture that is perfect for smudging and layering. This set is great because it has a lot of everyday colors with just a POP of color.

COVET

Makeup Forever Aqua Eyes Collector Set ($249)

This is a true sample of my LOVE for Makeup Forever. This brand is more pro and everything in the line is phenomenal to work with. There are so many fun colors in this set!

Ahh...a girl can dream, can't she.