First off, a big thanks to Revlon and Crowdtap for the products in this post. I recently received four face products to help create the perfect photo-ready look: Revlon Photoready™ Pore Reducing Primer, Photoready™ Brightening Primer ($12.99 and up at Ulta), Revlon Insta-Blush™ in Nude Kiss ($12.99 at Ulta), and a 4-in-1 Blending Sponge ($7.99 at Ulta), (list provided by crowdtap.com). Continue reading
makeup review
#MAKEYourself with MAKE Beauty
MAKE Beauty creates professionally formulated skincare and makeup that are user-friendly and “designed for personal experimentation.” You may be wondering what that means. That means you are able to customize your look and tailor every product to your specific needs. You can go from barely-there to super-pigmented in just a couple of steps. Blend, layer, and play to your heart’s content. Their makeup formulas contain high-quality pigments that can be toned down or cranked up, depending on your mood. Want a no-makeup look? No problem! Headed out for a fun night on the town and want a bold, super-pigmented look? MAKE has all you will need.
I was sent a mini eye shadow & mini lipstick to try out (see my Instagram post here), and I must say that I love both of them. The eyeshadow is a wonderfully neutral color that looks great by itself or blended with other colors. Taffy is the color of the lipstick I received. I love that it doesn’t dry my lips out. Sometimes, depending on the brand (and it can be drugstore or the pricey kind) my lips will crack and dry up in no-time. MAKE’s did not do that. Currently we are overseas, so I decided to take these with me, especially since they didn’t take up much space.
Anyway, celebrate and show off your own creative skills with MAKE’s expertly- designed products. I am sure you will not be disappointed. Each product is packed with ingredients that are good for you, such as antioxidants, safflower oil, and chamomile extracts are just a few.
PROMOTIONAL OFFER: Use the code MAKEYOURSELF to receive 20% off your purchase (site-wide, valid through 5/31/2016)!!
Stay beautiful!
**I received this product in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. Powered by BrandBacker.**
YSL Touche Eclat Neutralizer
A friend of mine introduced my to YSL’s Touche Eclat complexion highlighter years ago, and I was instantly a fan. The product is a splurge at $42.00 a pop, but works extremely well. YSL recently released a line of color neutralizers in violet, green, and bisque ($38.00/each).
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| Image courtesy of sephora.com |
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| Image courtesy of sephora.com |
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| Image courtesy of sephora.com |
I received a neutralizer in green, courtesy of Influenster, to try out. The creamy, unscented formula is not sticky and will stay put all day. It is also matte, so no extra oiliness, and it is very lightweight. A little goes a long way, and my under eye circles and redness nearly disappeared. You can see how well the product mutes out my skin tone, so imagine that on problem areas.
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| Sorry for the fingerprints! I kept cleaning the package, and still… |
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| The tube out of the package. |
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| Click the button at the bottom to dispense the product. Be careful! It’ll come out fast. |
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| That small amount (see photo above) on the side of my hand. |
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| How much that amount covered, without really blending. |
To dispense the product, click the bottom button of the pen until the desired amount of product comes through the brush. The pen makes a loud clicking sound, so don’t be alarmed. You can apply it with the brush, but it might leave brush marks. I recommend that the product be blended. To do so, I use either my fingertips or a damp BeautyBlender or micro BeautyBlender. This product helped to provide the perfect foundation for the rest of my makeup. Clients tend to love it as well, but it is a pricey item to have in your kit. Other brands with similar products include, but are not limited to, the following: Smashbox, Cover Fx, and NYX. Since I haven’t tested them out, I can’t say whether or not they work just as well, but they are a few options if you can’t get a hold of YSL.
Stay beautiful!
Mini ULTA Haul
So I thought I would be productive and get a head-start on Christmas shopping. Since Halloween and fall have been taking over stores since August, you know the holiday items will soon follow. I try to get most of my shopping done over summer, unless there are holiday sets I can’t pass up. ULTA had some good promotions, a couple of which may still be available, and BOOM, half my Christmas list is complete (okay, not half, but nearly). Anyway, here is what I purchased:
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| Sorry! The picture isn’t the greatest. |
1. ULTA Brand Eyeshadow Palette: Gilded Gold
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| Image courtesy of ulta.com |
For a store brand, ULTA has good-quality pigments. Both this and the Gilded Rose palette are great for anyone who is looking for something to travel with, or someone who is just starting to wear eyeshadow. There are several finishes (i.e matte, shimmer, etc.) and colors from across the more neutral spectrum. You can go from a fresh, no-makeup look to a more dramatic night-on-the-town look, by taking the colors from one palette.
Color List (courtesy of ulta.com)
Lustre – light golden shimmer
Gilded – medium taupe brown with golden shimmer
Flicker – medium orange with copper shimmer
Starlet – deep warm brown with golden glitter
Opal – deep pinkish brown with pink shimmer
Midnight – deep blue grey with multicolor and silver glitter
Bone – light creamy matte
Tan – medium warm tan matte
Singed – medium taupe brown matte
Scorched – deep warm brown matte
Lava – medium violet matte
Coal – deep black matte
Gilded – medium taupe brown with golden shimmer
Flicker – medium orange with copper shimmer
Starlet – deep warm brown with golden glitter
Opal – deep pinkish brown with pink shimmer
Midnight – deep blue grey with multicolor and silver glitter
Bone – light creamy matte
Tan – medium warm tan matte
Singed – medium taupe brown matte
Scorched – deep warm brown matte
Lava – medium violet matte
Coal – deep black matte
2. ULTA Brand Eyeshadow Palette: Rose Gold
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| Image courtesy of ulta.com |
The Rose Gold and Gilded Gold palettes may look the same, but differ quite a bit. The Rose Gold palette, for one, does not contain black in any form. Mauve, pink, brown, and other rich tones are highlighted in this palette. Similar to its counterpart are the finishes, and a variety of looks can be created using this range of colors.
Color List (courtesy of ulta.com)
Champagne – light golden tan shimmer
Pink – light pink shimmer
Hopeless Romantic – medium mauve the silver shimmer
Chandelier – medium brown with golden shimmer
Luxe – deep reddish brown with pink shimmer
Dahlia – deep plum with pink glitter
Prosecco – light cream matte
Bubbles – light pink matte
Breathless – medium mauve matte
Dessert – deep cool brown matte
Sweetheart – deep rich reddish brown matte
Orchid – deep violet matte
Pink – light pink shimmer
Hopeless Romantic – medium mauve the silver shimmer
Chandelier – medium brown with golden shimmer
Luxe – deep reddish brown with pink shimmer
Dahlia – deep plum with pink glitter
Prosecco – light cream matte
Bubbles – light pink matte
Breathless – medium mauve matte
Dessert – deep cool brown matte
Sweetheart – deep rich reddish brown matte
Orchid – deep violet matte
3. ULTA Brand Raincoat Waterproof Mascara Topcoat
This clear coat is supposed to lock in your mascara, so no matter what you’re doing, your mascara won’t make you look like a hot mess. I, literally, just put it on, and it does dry clear. It’s a bit opaque; similar to the color of the PTR peeling gel. In the description, it also says that the product is great as an eyebrow gel, so I put some on my brows. Most of the time, clear brow gel will start to flake and (of course) look white. Anyway, I was interested because I have been looking for a mascara setting product. I used two different mascaras, one from tarte and a duo from Urban Decay. I will update you on how well it worked.
Short Update: So, I thought I would test it out by watching something that would make me cry to test the product…alone of course… ’cause everyone knows I HATE crying in front of others. So far, the mascara has stayed put. My lashes also don’t feel dry and crunchy. Thus far, it has been a great product. I will head to the gym later for further testing.
4. Hask Coconut Monoi Oil Vial
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| Image courtesy of ulta.com |
These oils were buy two get one free, and I am really on a hair oil kick. I also love the smell of monoi oil. It reminds me of summer nights on the balcony overlooking Waikiki Beach. I am quite excited to try this out. My plan? Treat my hair, scrub my face, and apply a face mask. Then, relax with some tea and a hot bubble bath. It’ll be like a mini tropical vacation.
5. Hask Keratin Protein Oil Vial
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| Image courtesy of ulta.com |
The Keratin oil smells like a light fruit salad. it is supposed to smooth and strengthen the hair, so once I try it, I will update you on my results.
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| Image courtesy of ulta.com |
The scent of this oil reminds me of a light vanilla-musk. I just applied some to my hair to use as a treatment. You can use it as part of your styling routine as well. It is definitely lightweight. This formula is supposed to revitalize my hair, so I guess we will find out. I like that a little goes a long way. I applied about a dime-sized amount to dry hair. Next time, I will apply it on wet hair, to see if there is a difference.
I have yet to put these oils to the test. I do like the scents, and I like that they come in a convenient travel vial. Each vial has a cap that snaps on, so no need to worry about the vials leaking.
Gift With Purchase Items (Note: Each bag came with a $5 off $15+ ULTA brand purchase.):
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| Image courtesy of ulta.com |
This bag is more of a chocolate brown with a purple tone, and is great for holding a small mount of makeup. It is long enough to fit full-sized brushes and smaller palettes and skincare. This set in particular came with the following:
– Three Shadow Quads
– Two Brushes + One Sponge Tip
– One Highlighter/Blush Duo
– One Shadow Topcoat
– Mini Nail Polish
– Mini Ligloss
– Double-Ended Eye Pencil
– Brow Tint
– One Full-Sized Mascara
– One Full-Sized Lipstick
2. ULTA Beauty Bag
This bag is not that attractive, but holds so much. I am using it as my gym toiletry bag. The products you see below (sorry for the poor quality!) took up less than half the available bag space! The packet samples are a nice way to try something new, but sometimes they are not large enough to really see if you will like the product. The Urban Decay and tarte samples a
re single-use, but if you play your cards right, you will get a couple of uses out of the samples.
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| The Bag |
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| Makeup: Urban Decay, smashbox, ULTA, Laura Geller, tarte, benefit |
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| Hair: John Frieda, Hask, Kenra, phtyo |
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| Skin: The Body Shop, Algenist, Mario Badescu, philosopy |
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| Perfume: Juicy Couture, Gucci |
3. Variety Sampler
With every ULTA purchase, you can choose to have samples added, free of charge. There are three mystery samplers: Fragrance, Skincare, and Variety. In the past, I have not found the samples to be anything significant, this time was no different. Last time I opted for the Variety, and they sent me three hair packets from L’oreal. This time, I opted for Skincare, and was provided the POREfessional single-use packet and the smashbox Photo Finish Primer packet (not pictured). Free is always nice, but I prefer Sephora’s selection.
Makeup Monday: Take it off, with KohGenDo!
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| Image courtesy of kohgendo.com |
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| Image courtesy of kohgendo.com |
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| Image courtesy of kohgendo.com |
It is so important to remove your makeup before you sleep. It’s common knowledge, but how many people actually remember to every time? KohGenDo makes it easy to to remove makeup without much effort. I have tried all types of makeup removers, prestige brands and off-brands: Creams, oils, wipes, you name it, and nothing has worked as well as KohGenDo’s Cleansing Spa Water. For about 10 years, it has been my go-to for removing even the most stubborn makeup. Waterproof and long-wear makeup are no match for Spa Water, which is free from: artificial colors, synthetic fragrance, and mineral oil derived from petroleum. It is also alcohol- and oil-free, and if it happens to get in your eyes, they won’t burn. Every night I apply Spa Water before the rest of my routine. I also make sure to have a bottle on sets and photo shoots, since it is perfect for all skin types. The formula is gentle and suitable for those with sensitive skin. It now comes in towelettes, which are perfect for travel. in need of a refresher after a long flight? The towelettes will clean and refresh your skin–if you’re wearing makeup, it will also take it off, so be mindful.
Makeup Monday: Versatility with MAC Fluidline
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| Fluidline in Silverstroke. Image courtesy of maccosmetics.com |
I have loved MAC‘s Fluidline since it was launched. My first purchase was Blacktrack, which is (of course) flat black. At first, I only used Fluidline as a a liner. It has amazingly long staying power, and doesn’t transfer to my eyelids. A little goes a really long way. Normally, I apply it with the 231 brush or Billy B’s brush eleven because it is more dense and rigid. It really all depends on the look I am going for. Just run the tip of the brush through the Fluidline (it has a gel liner consistency)–you don’t need to use too much– then apply it as you would any other eyeliner.
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| Image courtesy of maccosmetics.com |
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| Image courtesy of billybbeauty.com |
I got to thinking about it. I am always looking for makeup that has multiple uses. For instance, some shadows make great highlighters, and some blush hues work great on lips. Of course, you have to make sure that the color(s) is/are safe for all areas. I digress. I decided to try out Fluidline as an eye base, so I purchased one of the lighter colors. Normally, I use Too Faced or Urban Decay primers, but I figured that Fluidline had such staying power that it would probably work. Just a little Fluidline applied to the eyelids is all it takes. Wait just a minute, then apply your shadow as usual. I would avoid applying any shadow right away because it may clump up, and who needs that?! Anyway, Fluidline will ensure that your work of art stays put through it all. You can also use any color just on the eyelid for a more subtle look. Even though it is not necessarily cost-effective, Fluidline also works great when accenting body paint.
Do you have a favorite versatile beauty product?
Stay beautiful!
Makeup Monday: Billy B’s Makeup Brushes
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| Image courtesy of beautylish.com & Billy B Beauty |
So, I wrote about the Billy B makeup brushes when I first purchased them years ago (I want to say it’s been about 10, or near it). Now that is has been awhile, I thought I would update you on whether or not they are still kickin’. Billy Brasfield (Billy B) is an amazing makeup artist who made a name for himself, and has worked on a plethora of celebrities throughout his career. He has also been an inspiration to countless aspiring MUAs, and I love his work.
Anyway, he had (literally) just come out with these amazing makeup brushes, and those who attended the seminar were the first to be able to purchase them. From what I remember, they sold out. Anyway, I have used them on photo shoots and sets, and they have not fallen apart yet. Each brush is very well made, lightweight, and the short handle makes them very travel-friendly. The retractable lip brush has a wonderful enclosure, so you can rest assured that junk won’t adhere to it. The brushes are numbered 1-13 (in the order below), and my favorites are 8 and 9 because of their versatility. I can line, shade, highlight, contour, you name it, with those two. Of the brushes, the number 3 has started to lose its bristles, but it has had a lot of wear. Aside from that, they look the same as the day I purchased them.
Over time, you learn what does and does not work. For instance, nobody really needs an extra large powder brush…what on earth would you need it for, aside from dusting the shelves?! Okay, maybe if you’re doing body work, but still, it’s not a necessity. The density of Billy B’s brushes are damn near perfect, and each brush can be used to create a wide array of looks. Most brushes are labeled something like “Foundation”, “Eyebrow”, “Highlight”, etc., but that doesn’t mean it can be solely used for that purpose. I can’t tell you how many brushes I have that have some sort of label, which I never follow. One of my favorite brushes to use on lips is actually marketed as an eyeliner brush. That is why I love his number system, and why he chose that sort of labeling. It allows the consumer to decide how s/he will utilize each brush. These invaluable tools are available on beautylish.com.
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| Mr. Billy B! Image courtesy of Billy B. |
Makeup Monday: Benefit’s They’re Real Mascara and Eyeliner
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| Image courtesy of benefitcosmetics.com |
While everyone is drooling over Roller Lash, I am still obsessed with Benefit’s they’re Real mascara (and eyeliner). I always apply mascara after I have curled my lashes. Even those claiming to curl on their own never seem to do a good enough job. When I see the majority of mascara applications, most apply it at the base and simply move the want up towards the tips. Others work the wand back and forth, but few apply it in a rotating motion. Working from the base, take the wand and rotate it outward. It is the same motion that is described in the “how-to” section for Roller Lash. The rotating motion will allow a more even distribution of the mascara while simultaneously minimizing clumping. You can work the wand back and forth while you rotate as well. After I apply mascara, I use a heated eyelash curler to give some extra lift. I don’t know about you, but my lashed tend to fall regardless. This mascara provides a lot of volume, and if applied properly, can almost give the effect of false lashes. Since Imju Fiberwig was discontinued, this is the next best thing. The only thing I wish was for this to be in different colors. While many people can wear black mascara others look better with something less harsh, like a black-brown or brown.
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| Image courtesy of benefitcosmetics.com |
A great pair to the mascara is the they’re Real push-up eyeliner. It is quite an odd thing at first glance. The tip feels like rubber and the gel twists up onto it. Because of the design, the eyeliner can be used to create a myriad of looks. The liner comes up much like a soft solid deodorant. In order to get it even, you have to twist up the gel, then wipe it off to make sure it will come out evenly. When I apply my eyeliner, I make sure to get the applicator as close to the base of my lashes as possible. Sometimes, when my lashes are unruly, I will hold them down with my index finger then swipe the pen across and curl my lashes after. Other times, I lift the skin at my brow (as it is shown below). The gel does not dry all that quickly, so you may have to wait a bit before curling your eyelashes. If you don’t wait, you make take off or smudge your look. It says that the gel can last 24 hours; I did not find that to be the case, but it did last over 8 hours.
This tutorial for a wing look was provided by Benefit:
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| Image courtesy of benefitcosmetics.com |
Overall Impression
I really love this duo. They are great on their own and create an even more dramatic look when used together. The mascara adds great volume, some length, and doesn’t need to be applied with more than two coats. The gel liner provides a great accent, and the tip allows you to be creative. There is no need for heavy eyeshadow (or eyeshadow at all) depending on how dramatic your look is. The eyeliner is said to last up to 24 hours and is waterproof. I, personally, found that after a few hours the mascara (like many) did fall and the liner was not altogether waterproof. You may also find that the liner transfers up to your eyelid depending on the shape of your eyes and your eyelid type. That being said, they are two of my favorites and are always in my bag. To ensure that my look stays put all day, I use Model in a Bottle setting spray.
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| Image courtesy of benefitcosmetics.com |
Makeup Monday: Avoiding the Crease with Too Faced!
I have tried nearly every eyeshadow primer out there: Benefit, Smashbox, Urban Decay, Too Faced, etc. and the two that have worked the best for me are Urban Decay and Too Faced. The Benefit and Smashbox brands box made my shadow crease within an hour or so. I am focusing on Too Faced tonight because of the wide variety of finishes that their Shadow Insurance comes in. At IMATS LA last year, I purchased one of each type of Shadow Insurance. I love each of them for different reasons. Here are some pros and cons of each–one of the biggest pros that they all share is that they do not come with a wand. Not only does it make the primer easier to apply, it also makes it easy to use in any setting, whether you are working on a bride, shoot, or going for a night on the town. Remember that a little will cover both lids, so about the amount of half a pea or less should do the trick. Let it set while you prep, then color it up with your favorite shadow hues. One tube, with regular use, lasts about 4-6 months or more, depending on how much you apply.
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| Picture property of toofaced.com |
The original Shadow Insurance is matte, flesh-toned, and blends in with any skin color. The product goes on smooth, and won’t leave streaks across your lids. As with all of them, just a drop will last for hours.
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| Picture property of toofaced.com |
Candlelight is one of my favorites because it adds just a little bit of (sophisticated) lemon-gold shimmer that really makes the shadow pop. It can also be used alone as a highlight, without being overpowering.
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| Picture property of toofaced.com |
Champagne has the deepest color of the primers. It is a light bronze that can be built up and used alone or with eyeshadow. The bronze color, in my opinion looks best on light-medium to dark skin tones. Using it, especially lightly, can make those with lighter skin tones look tired–of course, with the right eyeshadow application, it will work with all skin tones.
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| Picture property of toofaced.com |
This brings us to the last of the shadow primers (not including the glitter glue, which I, personally, don’t care for): Lemondrop. This is my favorite because it works like most yellow-based color correctors. It lightens up any dark areas of the lids and provides an all-day, no-crease base for your eyeshadow. This primer is matte, so I do not recommend that it be used solo.
Overall, I LOVE-LOVE-LOVE Too Faced Shadow Insurance. It’s long-lasting formula sets the foundation for amazing eyes all day (and night) long! Each type provides something extra to your look, whether you’re it’s simple or sultry. The tubes last for ages, and as I said, just a drop will do. They fit great in any makeup bag/kit, and the primer can be applied with your finger tips, brush, or sponge.
Sadly, I will not be attending this coming IMATS. Because of the changes that have been made, it is no longer a pro-focused event. If you are attending, be sure to pick up one, two, or all of them, and let me know what you think. Do you have a favorite primer? If so, I’d love to know what it is. Drop a comment or send me a message.
Pro Tip: If you want the truest shadow, apply a small (and I mean SMALL) amount of a white concealer or base, such as Inglot’s Cream Concealer 37 after you’ve applied the primer and it has set. Next, apply your shadow. Be careful, though…you don’t want to buff everything so it doesn’t
look like your lids are covered in white paint–when you’re done, the white should not be noticable.
Makeup Monday: OCC Lip Tar
Makeup Monday is here! Have you ever loved a brand so much that you wanted one of everything? Awhile back, I saved enough to do just that at IMATS LA, with one of my favorite brands, Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics (OCC). While I don’t much care for the name, I can live with it knowing the quality of their products. OCC makes one of my favorite lip products of all time, Lip Tar. I have been using Lip Tars on myself as well on clients for years. They come in a wide variety of colors and finishes. From nudes to reds to off-the-wall colors, such as Rollergirl (vibrant lavender) and Technopagan (blackened purple w/blue pearl), anything is possible! Finishes come in matte, metallic, and (new) gloss. Lip Tars can be used alone or combined to create your own, one-of-a-kind color. All colors are versatile and wonderful for creating the perfect pout for all occasions. Lip Tars will ensure a gorgeous and unforgettable long-lasting lip, whether you use them in your next drag show, cosplay, costume event, party or just a night on the town. Remember: A little goes a long way! One small drop provides full-color coverage, and the pigment lasts for hours. Of course, you can always make the pigment more sheer by blotting or simply using less. Oh, and did I mention that all of their products are cruelty-free andvegan? Sets are now available, and include a lip brush and either full-sized or mini-versions of Lip Tars to try. You can also blend Lip Tars with different OCC glitter/loose pigments and pencils for added texture and effects! Do you use OCC? What is your favorite color or color combination?
**ALL IMAGES ARE PROPERTY OF OCC COSMETICS**
Darphynia's Diary 