Got Gift Card?

Susie recently wrote in to tell me that her SWEET sister gave her a gift card to Sephora....LUCKY!!! =D She wrote to ask what she should keep her eyes out for, what should she get? WELL let me thiiiink LOL. I have received quite a few emails like this one so I will give you a list of my MUST haves regardless of price and depending on how much you want to spend or how much your gift card is for, you can pick and choose =).

First and foremost of you do not have the Urban Decay Primer Potion (UDPP) you are SORELY missing out and need to rectify that situation like NOW! It is the best primer I have used, thus far, that keep my shadow looking vibrant all day long with NO creasing or fading.

Next I have to give a HUGE shout out to Makeup Forever's HD Foundation cuz this stuff is where it's AT!!!!! It's like silk, it's build-able, lightweight and lasts till the cows come home. It's a little pricey but when you are in the market for a staple like foundation, TRUST me you will NOT be disappointed!!!

This bronzer from Urban Decay is wonderful. I love the natural color and the matte finish. When contouring you don't want as much shimmer or else the sun will hit it and take away whatever shadow you were trying to create. You don't want to use a straight brown when going for a more natural look so this one is perfect. I get my baked bronzer in "Toasted".

The skin underneath our eyes is very delicate and very different from the rest of our face. I think we all have made the mistake of putting too much product under there (especially powder) and seeing our skin turn to reptile mode! Not a pretty look and no one really does it on purpose...I hope ; ). I use this miracle powder that is very fine, pinkish in hue to eliminate dark coloring and very good for your skin. In all, Benefit has a good track record for producing products that are heavy metal free, they do not test on animals and are phasing out all products that aren't gluten free.

Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat

*DISCLAIMER*

I have YET to purchase this product but let me redeem myself by telling you why it's on the list. This too is a pricey product ($40 for .1 oz) but VERY worth it especially if you are a makeup artist. I have shadowed and trained with some AMAZING artists and have read about all the rest HA! I kid you not, every single ONE of them owns this product and swears by it. While on a job I used it from another kit and was astonished at it's magical powers of giving an instant eye lift and "eight hours of sleep" to models that had some darkness under their eyes. It was also great to contour with....yeah, it's my next purchase (insert sheepish grin).

Don't you love watching old movies where the girls bite their lips and pinch their cheeks for color? LOL I think it's so funny and yet so cute to see what they went through to get that natural flush in their cheeks. Well we don't have to resort to such painful measures. We have some great products on the market and this is one I love. This is a water resistant, gel based cheek stain that just GLOWS!!! I love using this on brides and for commercial work since it is so natural and yet build-able to give you a romantic flush. I also LOVE that this product is formulated without all of the harsh chemicals you find in most cosmetics today. Isn't that awesome??? Paraben FREE.....HOORAY!!!!!

For those of you that have been here at the blog for a while or for those that have browsed through the archives will remember this. I said casually in a video that I highly recommended everyone going out and getting "Naked". BOY was I mortified as I received a ton of emails pointing out what I had said and having a giggle about it =). After the natural blush in my cheeks wore down I think I corrected that statement in the next video LOL. I love the EYESHADOW "Naked" from Urban Decay and I'll tell you why. Those that have learned and put into use facts about contouring know that subtle things can make a HUGE difference! This color, for me, is a light skin toned brown that enhances me crease, temple area and sides of my nose with natural ease. It gives just enough color to make a difference and if you don't believe me do one side only and look in the mirror. RIGHT?!?!? Yup, it's wonderful. I also use this color a TON when doing a smokey eye. I bounce back and forth between this and the bronzer to warm up said smokey eye. Few people know that you need to use a color in betwEEN the dark on your lid/crease and your brow bone color. A color that is natural, soft, and can "marry" the other two extreme colors together. I have found Naked to be a great shadow color to use for this. Go out and get "Naked" everyone.....you know what I mean!

On the same topic ; ), I think all girls need a good nude lipstick. One that doesn't match your skin or foundation like Myth (MAC) but one that will have just enough color to not fade your lips away and make you look washed out. This has just enough sheen and brown to it that wearing it with your fav smokey eye will be irreSIStible!!! I love to use this in the center of my lower lip when doing a bold color in lue of Myth if I feel Myth is too much of a contrast.

Well there's the list ladies! Those are the things that I would first look into and purchase from Sephora. From a MUA standpoint though I must share what I secretly long for....are you ready?

The Makeup Forever Flash Color Palette. (In Kronk's voice) "Iiit's beeaaauuuuutiful." And BOY is it!!!! This bad boy would be so fun, amazing and versatile to use. It could be used for lips, cheeks, eyes EvErYtHiNg!!!!! Jenni wanty!!!!! What are your go to's at Sephora? Want to add to the list? Write a comment below!

Catherine Zeta-Jones Tutorial

Do you remember the first time you remember Catherine Zeta Jones in all of her gorgeous glory? For me it was Zorro and I thought she was so beautiful and such a great actress! I remember the magazine that came out when she wore this look on the red carpet as well. I was tickled that they were spotlighting how to make brown eyes pop and low and behold...I HAD BROWN EYES!!!! I was so eager to try the green all around and when the look was completed I LoVeD it and sported it for a while =). Just recently I got an email from Tanja asking for a Catherine look and I immediately remembered my fav green eye and decided to pull it out and share it with you. Enjoy and sport if for  a while yourself! =)

April Favs & A Few Comparisons

Here are a few of my favs and I have tried some alternatives to my regular products that I have loved and used on a daily basis. Here are some thoughts on just a few. What have you tried that you just can't get away from? Have you had a bad experience with trying something new and hating it or loving it more? SHARE!!!

Valentine's Day Looks

Dramatic Look:

 I am hoping that I get these out to you in time and I do apologize for the lateness of them. Here are two different looks for you. One more natural and then one more dramatic. These looks are great too with other colors. The more dramatic one for instance would look great with different shades of spring green!

More Natural Look:

Urban Decay Primer Potion Testimonial

Here's another testimonial of the Urban Decay Primer Potion. It can be found at Sephora and Ulta stores. Have YOU tried it or another product recommended here? Write to me at dollcosmetics@gmail.com and tell us what you think!!!

Hey Jenni!

So I have to just tell you that I FINALLY got the Urban Decay Primer Potion that you talk so highly of all the time.  I've wanted it for a long time, but couldn't make myself spend the $20 when I didn't know if I'd really love it.  So I asked for it for Christmas and I just have to say that I'm kicking myself for not buying it sooner.  It totally works and I love it!!  Thanks for recommending it!

And the great thing about having my husband get it for me for Christmas was that he got the giant tube of it for me!

Christmas Is Coming!!!

So, being married, I know that sometimes our husbands need a little help with what we may want. I know sometimes my hubby gets this panicked look near Christmas Eve and asks for some "alone" time. Out he whisks to the store, frantically calling my mother and all of my friends. I think he's learned, somewhat, that to start earlier in the month is goooooooood....say it with me hunny....gooooooooood!!!! For basic makeup needs I enlisted that same darling husband to help design this Christmas list. These are things that I would ask for if I were just starting out. You can click on the list and print it out and give it to your someone or buy it yourself, be powerful =). It comes out somewhat small so it can be travel size. If you have any questions on what to get from MAC or Sephora please ask. I could go on forever of what to get and what NOT to spend money on! Merry Christmas!!! 

UDPP Testimonial

Hi Jenni, I am so glad while we were at Sephora you talked me into getting the Urban Decay potion primer. I was a little hesitant to pay $20 for something that goes under my eyeshadow, but it was so worth it x 10. I will buy it again. It makes my shadows look so beautiful. even some of my less expensive shadows look great because this is my base. I usually do not have problems with creasing bu my shadow is usually gone by 5 at night. now at 10 when I wash my face at night it looks like it was freshly applied, I almost hate to wash it off it looks so good. Thanks Jenni for the great recommendation!

-- Thanks girl, nicole

Jen's Must Haves Volume II

This is a request I received from someone asking what my must haves were NOW as opposed to, like, a year ago =). SO, here goes, I am going to be listing things I cannot LIVE without.

#1:

I NEVER go on ANY trip without this magical tube. It enSURES no creasing. I use this under paint pots and the NYX Milk pencil as well!!!! If you do not have this yet, I ask you...WHY???

#2

I have a new love in my life. I thought I was whole before but alas I was proven VERY wrong when my friend showed me this bottle of PeRfEcTiOn!!! Don't think of it as spray tanning (cuz it's not), think of it as foundation for your legs (cuz it IS). You spray it on, rub it in and you have AIRBRUSHED legs!!!!!! Totally flawless!!!! I am, as you know, not great at spraytanning, but this comes off with soap and water, yet resistant to water by itself. It hides bruises, veins, makes you look thinner and more toned, and makes your legs all ONE color!!! I missed a spot one day before going to church, but like if I missed a spot of foundation (ew, never!) you can spray it on your finger and fix the spot. It is FOOLPROOF!!!!!! I will be providing a few pictures on a leg model just as soon as she shaves....hee hee, love ya Megan!!! GO GET THIS!!!! Its about $14.00 at Walgreens and right now if you buy this you get another Sally Hansen product 50% off. You can't LoSe. I bought the medium and light glow. You will NOT be disappointed!!!

#3:

Maybe the reason I won't be having a "must have" for mascara is thanks to these babies. The Ardell Demi Wispies in black. I have said it before and I will say it again,"Lash extensions and serums are SO expensive whereas these bad boys, at a Sally's near you, will run just under $4 and will last you a good month if you are good to them. Practice makes perfect. As soon as you have done this for a week...I may have slept in mine once or twice...EEK! you will be a PRO!!! Just follow my Perfect Lash Tutorial and you can't go wrong!!!

#4:

Wedge, wedge, my beautiful Wedge. I use this color from MAC, no joke, E.V.E.R.Y single day! t is closest to my skin color which makes it a RoCkIn color for contouring and blending in the crease. Can't live without it and neither should YOU!!!

#5:#222 from MAC is the brush that I use THE most often and that I wish I had 10 of. I use it for blending, contouring, outer V work, crease work, under eye smudging. It's an amazing brush and I highly recommend it!!! It is a MAC Pro brush so you need to order it by calling 1-800-866-6464. From what I have been told you do NOT need to be a member but you may not get the Pro discount. This brush is WoRtH it Ladies!!!

#6:

The Coastal Scent 88 matte palette. This, believe it or not, I use every day as well. The dark and lighter brown that corner the bottom black color are my eyebrow colors. You can't beat the $19.99 price and the colors are SO pigmented!!! I also am in LOVE with the yellowish color that is in the first column, 3 down from the white. It is so creamy and natural. The greens are intense, the purples are lavish and the pinks are just plain HOT!!! You could very well find your brow color here, your "wedge", brow bone color. This could be ONE STOP SHOPPING!!!! I haven't tried the shimmer palette but I am satisfied to no END with this one and it still gives me some with shimmer! Visit the website and grab one of your very OwN!!!

#7:

This is Myth from MAC. Isn't that fun to say? I love that this is a lipstick so that it's formulated not to give me those gross inner "rings" around my mouth the way foundation does. If I need to matte out my lips, this is what I use. If I want to create the 3-D lip, this is what I use on the bottom lip in the middle. LOVE pairing it with Girl About Town from MAC and love it for my lips when I do a super smokey eye (whiten those teeth first!). This is a must for ANYONE. It's like the pair of shoes that go with every outfit!!! SO sensible.

#8:

I could not RAVE about this product more!!! My brushes look like NEW after using these guards. I will be getting like 5 more packages! When I clean my brushes and them let them dry, sometimes they bristle and don't look as "sharp" as I'd like them to. Ever since I've had the brush guard (which is in the giveaway!!!) the bristles look like I just bought the brush and took it out of the wrapper. You can dry your brushes in there and put them on when you travel to protect your bristles as they are jumbled up against whatever in your purse. I love how they expand over your brush and yet are nice and snug once you get them into place. Like I said, LOVE them!!! 5 different sizes come in a pkg....my brushes might be fighting over who gets to use one since I don't have enough =). With that said, I will be ordering more tonight HERE =).
So #'s 9 & 10 I couldn't find good enough pictures of but they are BOTH from Mary Kay. Yes, the "Pink Ladies". The eye makeup remover is BOMB!!!! Then the Timewise moisturizer is the best I have used, and I have tried a few ;). 

Those are my must haves at the moment. Who knows what next month will bring =). I think for you Mommies out there, anyONE of these things would be a great gift to ask for!!! Tell me when you get them and what you thought! What are products YOU cannot live without???

QUESTIONS!!!!!

Have any of you done the tutorials? Which is your fav? Any of you purchased the paint brushes at a craft store? Do you like them??? Used the color wheel lately? Gotten Making Faces? Has it changed your life yet and rocked your world??? Gotten the primer potion? Are you seeing a difference? Has anyone made the homemade cleanser? Used the clear mascara to help with flyaways? Gone to Beauty From The Earth? I want some feedback from ya. Thanks, you all are the best!!!!! I want to see a TON of comments here!!!!!!!!!

Best Eyeshadow Base

Hailey asked about the base I generally use for my eyeshadow and this is it folks. Urban Decay Primer Potion (UDPP). You can get this at Sephora for around $17. It is worth EVERY penny. I am going to put a link to the side on how to get the most out of this bottle as you can't ever, with the wand alone, get it all out. I will call the link: Get More From Your UDPP. I use this base because it doesn't crease and it makes your colors stay on your lid like no other. I have used paint pots from MAC and I like them, but this is KING!!!!! Go get it!!!!!