Event Recap: The Makeup Show LA 2014

This is sadly so very belated but here's my coverage of The Makeup Show LA. I've attended many a trade show over the last few years and by far, The Makeup Show LA is my favorite. It is a pro-only show but I appreciate the opportunity to attend because it really allows me intimate access to the brands and brand owners. I have the opportunity to ask more information about the brand, get insider information about future collections, swatch some products that may not be available in person and to get a sense of how professionals actually use the products!

Here are some photos from the show. I also got a few new things that are coming out soon that I'll try to review soon!

This is going to be a photo-heavy post so I've put everything behind a cut. Let this photo of Kevyn Aucoin's personal kit entice you in...

It Cosmetics Vitality Lip Flush Butter Gloss in Pretty in Pink: Swatch & Review

Press Sample

If you've ever seen the contents of my lip products drawer, you'd be mesmerized by a literal rainbow of lipsticks and glosses ranging from the boldest red to the deepest black. Now that I've started working in my school as part of my graduate courses, I've developed a greater appreciation for "office-safe/friendly" makeup. I'm working with kids twice a week and unfortunately while my kids might enjoy purple lips, my supervisor would be displeased.

Enter the It Cosmetics Vitality Lip Flush Butter Gloss. This wonder product is perfect for someone who wants a touch of color with major hydrating qualities. There's a plethora of hydrating oils like plum, cherry, avocado, argan, and jojoba, anti-aging collagen, and hyaluronic acid in the formula.

Where to Purchase: Ulta.com, ItCosmetics.com, Ulta stores
Price: $24 for .11 oz of product. 
Do they test on animals?: The company does not.
Packaging: The gloss comes in a slightly hefty clear tube with a silver cap that's decorated with "IT" around it. It doesn't feel cheap by any means and has a nice weight to it. The applicator is a bit different from other lipglosses, it's a slighty curved doefoot with a small reservoir on the concave side.

Swatch

I have the color Pretty in Pink, a more neutral mid-tone pink with a slight touch of glass-fleck shimmer but there are a few lighter and deeper shades that have no shimmer or sparkle. The shimmer in Pretty in Pink is subtle though, it doesn't look frosty or flashy and just adds some depth to the color. 

Formula:

It's not a sticky lipgloss at all. It feels cushy and smooth on the lips and I personally found it to be hydrating. My lips feel smoother and softer after wearing it. I've gotten a wear time of about five hours which is quite admirable considering it's not sticky. It also doesn't feel heavy on the lips. 

Conclusion

It is expensive for a lipgloss ($24) but you get a lot of product in a beautiful range of colors that's also quite hydrating on the lips. It's worth scoping it out in stores, you can also wait to see if there is a set coming out on QVC or as a GWP when you're buying at Ulta!

Disclaimer: I received this lipgloss as a press sample from the company's PR. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review!

Maybelline Color Tattoos in Nude Compliment and Sleek & Spice: Swatches

I Purchased This

Here's just a quick post I wanted to do of the Maybelline Dare to Go Nude Collection Color Tattoos. They're a limited edition collection so if you like the looks of the two Color Tattoos, keep an eye out for them! They were $6.99 each for me and are wonderfully pigmented, easy for a one color wash on the eye. I haven't tested them out for wear but I'm betting that with a primer, they'll be just as good as the other colors in the range.

Swatch:

The eyeshadows were swatched on my arm (not heavily) and the pictures were taken in natural daylight.

I'm a huge fan of Nude Compliment (a silvery taupe yesss!) and also Sleek & Spice, a more brown taupe. Both are must-haves in my opinion!

Disclaimer: I purchased this item myself. All opinions are my own.

Anastasia Dipbrow Pomade in Ebony: Swatch and Review

Oh oops, so it's been a month since I lasted updated the blog! Clinic plus a ton of schoolwork (three presentations within two weeks and also a midterm) meant I was busy. I had the pleasure of finding time in between to attend The Makeup Show LA (I made sure I had time because it's my favorite trade show) and I should have a recap of it soon. In the meantime, enjoy this review of the Anastasia Dipbrow Pomade!

I've been experiencing a lot more interest in doing my brows; when I don't have a lot of time to do my makeup I've been more inclined to draw my brows in and add a bit of lipgloss. Anastasia is a brand whose brow products are highly touted and I'm already a huge fan of their brow wiz so when they came out with their Dipbrow Pomade, I was drawn in. I loved the idea of a product that could carve a great brow shape while still lasting all day.

Sadly I wish my experience was as positive as the other ones I've seen on the internet.

Where to Purchase: Sephora.com (affiliate link), Sephora stores, ULTA.com, ULTA stores, Anastasia.net, Nordstrom.com
Price: $18 for 4.0 grams of product. 
Do they test on animals?: The company does not.
Packaging: The dipbrow pomade comes in a glass jar with a plastic lid. The opening is wide enough and you get plenty of room to dip your brush in. 

Swatch

Formula:

The dipbrow pomade claims to be a "Waterproof brow color ideal for sculpting, defining, and carving perfectly precise brows that won't fade. Smudge-free, creamy formula glides on the skin and adheres to hair. Must-have for oily skin and humid climates. Tighten cap to prevent drying"

Addressing all points, the dipbrow is waterproof, creamy, glides on the skin, adheres to brow hairs well, and takes about one minute to dry down. The formula is so creamy that you really need to use the lid as a palette to wipe off the excess, otherwise it's going to be too bold on your brows.

I do think there is a bit of a learning curve with the product since it is so creamy. You have to be sure of where you want to apply it and what color you have otherwise it'll look too bold.

However on my oily skin, it fades, breaks down, smudged over time, and was not a must-have even when it was colder. After only five hours, I was able to wipe away my brow with my finger. Around my temples/brow, the pores on my skin are a little enlarged and after about six to seven hours of wear the pomade had sunk into the pores and looked like my brows were spotty. It just wears poorly on my oily skin.

Here's what I mean. This is the dipbrow pomade eight hours later and you can see where it's gotten a bit spotty on my eyebrow.

I think if you're a makeup artist, you'll like the dipbrow pomade because I think it photographs beautifully. For personal use, your mileage may vary if you have oily skin. I've seen some people with oily skin have great results but sadly it didn't work for me.

I'll just stick to my Brow Wiz.

Disclaimer: I purchased the brow pomade myself. All opinions are my own. The links marked as an affiliate link give me a commission based off your use of the link which just helps to support myself and the blog. Feel free to use a non affiliate link.