How To Organize Your Makeup Collection on the Cheap!

Building a collection of your favorite makeup is the easy part, but keeping it organized is where things start getting complicated.

If you're like me, you never throw anything away and still have makeup from high school (I know, I'm a pack-rat). If you have that problem, there are several solutions out there which don't require you breaking the bank or throwing out your old favorites or limited edition pieces.

Solution:

Purchase a cheap, yet high-quality train case. I really like the ones that Caboodles makes. I used to have the little plastic ones when I was a kid, but they actually make professional cases that look similar to those from MAC. You can get them as low as $19.99, but the large one above is $39.79 at Target.

Who is Rihanna's Makeup Artist?

A couple days ago, Rihanna was spotted attending the 2008 Spirit of Life Award Dinner rocking a super-hot natural, yet glamorous makeup look.



I love-with-a-capital-L this look. It is understated, yet bold, with copper red and light brown eyes, a nude-pink lip and a coral-bronze cheek. When I saw this, I had to find out who Rihanna's makeup artist was stat.

Her name is Mylah Morales, and I must say that she is one of the most talented artists in the game. Check out her Myspace for pics of her work and more info about her.

NARS Holiday 2008

Since I purchased my first NARS product in the summer of 2007, I have become a junkie! I swear, if I had more disposable income, I would buy the whole lot of it. The quality of these products are unmatched. I especially love the silky-smooth texture of NARS eye shadows. I adored the Fall 2008 Collection and ended up buying Isolde, one of the duo eye shadows from the line.

As I expected, the NARS Holiday 2008 Collection is beautiful. It features shimmery metallics, alongside rich purples and peachy neutrals.

My favorites from Holiday 2008 are:

Peachy pink, with gold glitter.

Vibrant violet & pearlescent purple.

The shades of both products will work with most skin tones, especially the universally-flattering Orgasm blush.

The entire NARS Holiday 2008 Collection is available online now.

How To Create an Easy, Natural Bronze Eyeshadow Look

I think that bronzes are some of the most versatile and fabulous eyeshadow colors. Also, they are among the easiest to apply because they blend together so well!

Today, I decided to put in a little effort and do a full eye look. Surprisingly, my entire face took about 10 minutes to do, but the results lasted all day! This look is a great option when you want to look really nice on the go, without overdoing it. Here's what you need, along with instructions on how to achieve this look.

Products
Face: MAC Select Moisturecover Concealer in NW30 & NARS Blush in Orgasm

Brows: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brows in Bloom, in Brunette

Eyes: Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion, MAC Eyeshadow in Romp, NARS The Multiple in South Beach, NARS Eyeshadow Duo in Isolde, Diorshow Blackout Mascara & MAC Eye Khol in Smolder

Get the Look

1. The first thing you need to do is create a base for your look. Start with your face and dot concealer lightly, where you need it. Blend it in well so you need minimal foundation. I used the concealer under my eyes to make me look more awake.


2. Prime your eyelids by using a small amount of Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion or whichever primer you have. Blend this by dabbing it with your ring finger. A good primer makes a huge difference and keeps your eyes looking fresh all day - literally.


3. Fill in your brows with Anastasia Brows in Bloom or another brow powder/pencil. Everyone has different preferences. However, your brows frame your face and it's extremely important that they look decent. I'm growing my brows out to get them waxed again, so you can see how much difference a good brow kit makes because my brows look decent for the grown out stage (mine get extra unruly).


4. Dab on NARS The Multiple on your lids and browbone.
   
5. Take a small eyeshadow brush and use the NARS Eyeshadow Duo in Isolde. First, take the lighter color (light gold-ish bronze) and carefully place the shadow in the shape of a little oval, tracing the shape of your lid and leaving a space in the center. Make sure to get the light color into the inner corner of the eye as a highlight.



6. Next, use the darker color (classic bronze) of the duo to fill in the little "hole" on your eyelid. The shadow should be placed in the center of the lid.


7. Almost done! Now, you need to grab a brown shade for your crease. I used MAC Eyeshadow in Romp because it has a nice, satiny finish that complements the NARS shadows. Take a crease brush and carefully place the shadow in the outer edge of the crease. Be careful not to go to close to the center of the crease. This effect elongates the eye and helps to give you an almond, cat-eye look.


8. Blend! Be careful not to blend away all of the colors. Blend lightly where the colors meet, focusing on the crease. You can blend more or less depending on how natural you want the look to be.


9. Take the Eyeliner pencil and carefully line your lid, extremely close to the lashline in thin, short strokes for a natural look.


10. Apply two coats of Diorshow Blackout Mascara, and you're done!

The Final Look

Designer Beauty at a Target [Tar-Jaay] Near You!

So, In case you didn't know that Target is the best.... Now you know. While you are browsing the mega-store for frozen food, toilet paper and dorm decor this August, don't forget to hit up the ever-expanding beauty aisle! Take that, Wal-Mart.

According to Nylon Magazine, Target is bringing 3 acclaimed international beauty brands to stores nationwide: Jemma Kidd, Pixi by Petra and my favorite, Napoleon Perdis! Now it is officially bourgie enough to be called Tar-Jaay for real.

I was wondering why Sephora and Saks decided to clear out Perdis' merchandise at 50%. I guess I didn't think too deeply about it because I didn't want to question my blessings. However, America is now going to be EXTRA blessed.

Napoleon must have realized where the big money is, nowadays. The key to it is... making the young, broke and fabulous ::waves:: feel like they are living the life and affording high-end products. You actually might end up spending enough on several of these low-priced products to have afforded one your higher-priced craves, but.... that's the fun of it all, right?

Here are some pictures of a few products that will be featured:

Napoleon Perdis


Pixi by Petra

Jemma Kidd

I am fully prepared to wake up at the butt-crack of dawn and head over to Target to pick up some of these products. I'm eagerly anticipating all Napoleon Perdis products, the Pixi by Petra eyeshadow palette and the Jemma Kidd bright liquid eyeliners.

Say it with me... Yaaayy for Tar-Jaaay!

NARS Fall 2008 Collection + Sephora Exclusive Miami Sun Set Collection

NARS makeup is without a doubt one of the best lines in existence. If you think MAC is great and highly pigmented, wait until you try NARS! Founded in 1994 by Francois Nars, the cosmetic line has been a smash hit since its inception. With sleek, modern black packaging, unique color palette and names that will have you lusting (i.e. the cult classic "Orgasm," "Dolce Vita," "Torrid," etc.), I dare you to resist.

As amazing as these products are, the price tag is a hefty one. They are worth it, but everyone is definitely not able. However, there are some NARS products that a girl just needs to own. Some of these must-haves are in the latest NARS Fall 2008 Collection.


The NARS Fall 2008 Collection is described beautifully on the Sephora Web site:

Like the fall fashion shows that define the trends of the season, NARS presents their Fall 2008 Collection designed to complement the bold, solid hues, and ultra- feminine textures seen on the runways. Velvety eye shadows impart an alluring sheen in a range of rich chocolate and ginger hues, while lips enchant in sheer shades of coral, cherry, and mauve. This glowing palette of brilliant neutrals and shimmering tones is your ticket to the ultimate look of intrigue and sophistication this season.


The collection consists of the following products and colors:





















































I am a firm believer in spending the big bucks on staple colors that make you look sure-fire fab. You can save money by purchasing bright, trendy colors made by drugstore brands, such as L'Oreal H.I.P.


The colors to buy from the NARS Fall 2008 Collection are:

Isolde Duo Eyeshadow and Fez Single Eyeshadow.


Isolde contains "frosted ginger" and "shimmering copper" colors, and Fez is described as a luscious "velvety cocoa."

These eye shadows steal the show from everything else in the product line. The colors are beyond beautiful and they will be flattering to all skin tones. The lovely metallic-bronze and brown shades will also complement those fresh summer tans, ladies! The shades they used are not just trendy, either. You can get so much use out of fabulous, yet neutral shades such as these. Personally, I wear bronzes, golds and coppers year-round! You can see why I am totally enamored with these shades. I say, skip the other items in the line for now, but the Isolde Duo and Fez are a must!

They are available now on NARS Cosmetics and Sephora for $32 (eyeshadow duo) and $22 (eyeshadow single).


Exclusive Miami Sun Set Collection



As I was browsing Sephora, I came across a new addition to their product array. I must say, it is quite fab! And I'm not just saying this because I'm from Miami!!! I love bright colors and the exotic, tropical look so the NARS Miami Sun Set trio immediately caught my eye. It is brand new and available in a limited edition, exclusively on Sephora's Web site.



The trio includes NARS Duo Eye Shadow in Sundance, a Lip Lacquer in Capucine, and a Nail Polish in Dovima, all for $65, which is a deal for NARS. Sundance contains "warm golden" and "terracotta" colors, the Lip Lacquer in Capucine is a "sheer tangerine" and the Nail Polish is bright tomato red. I really like the colors, but again, NARS is sooo pricey!! I am going to recommend this set if you can afford it, but I'll sit and lust after it for the now.


I am so enthusiastic about this brand that I wish I could buy it all!


However, remember... splurge on colors that are sure-fire fab and will look good year-round. Save money by purchasing quality brights, such as H.I.P. Got it? Good.

[Green]: Toxic Chemicals in Cosmetics

In the year 2008, a time with so many wondrous medical advances, millions of people are still getting sick at alarming rates. It makes no sense, right?

We struggle to stay healthy by cutting back on junk food, try to get in at least some cardio (the gym is always packed), and you might even hold your breath when someone lights a cigarette near you. So why are you more likely than ever before to be at risk for diseases like cancer, heart disease, diabetes and more?

Researchers say that several illnesses might be caused by an increased use of chemicals in consumer products that we use EVERY DAY, such as cosmetics. Dun dun DUNNNN! It's scary to think that brushing your teeth can cause cancer!


Here are the top chemicals found in cosmetics and personal care products - and most importantly, how to avoid them!

According to "The Green Guide" and several other sources I researched, some of the top chemicals that we use several times per day are as follows:

• Coal tar: Coal tar is a human carcinogen that is used as an active ingredient in several products such as toothpaste and mouthwash! Look out for the dyes FD&C Blue 1 and FD&C Green 3. These dyes have caused cancer when injected into lab animals.
  
  
• Formaldehyde: Yes, this is the stuff they use to preserve those dissection frogs in high school. Remember how bad this stuff smelled? Well, formaldehyde is used as a preservative in nail polish, nail hardener, hair dyes, shampoo, soap, eyelash glue and more! Many companies try to play games and switch up the names of the chemicals. Formaldehyde is also known as quaternium 15, diazolidinyl urea and imidazolidinyl urea, among other aliases. This chemical results in respiratory irritation and even cancer in humans. Nail polish probably has the highest levels of this chemical. Little did you know that the nail salon was a potential death trap! I'm being dramatic, but to avoid the side effects of the chemical, paint your nails outside or in a well-ventilated area.
  
  
• Petroleum: Yes, the stuff that goes in your car! Petroleum is a possible human carcinogen, which means that it may cause cancer. The use of petroleum distillates are banned in European cosmetics, but are used rampantly in American brands of mascara and more! Watch out for the terms "petroleum" or "parrafin" on ingredients list, especially in hair oils which tend to prominently include this ingredient.
  
  
• Phthalates: Chemicals also known as dibuthylphthalate (DBP), dimethylphthalate (DMP), diethylphthalates (DEP) and butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) are used in several products such as nail polish, perfumes and more! Exposure to phthalates is linked to hormone abnormalities.
  

• Parabens: They are listed on your products as alkyl parahydroxy-benzoate, butyl-, methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, and isobutylparabens. They are an extremely common preservative in lotions, scrubs and conditioners. They mimic estrogen and increase the risk of breast cancer!

I've only listed five major chemicals, and there are so many more. After reading about this, I decided to go on an investigation of a couple of the major cosmetics brands that we love.

• MAC (owned by Estee Lauder): Reading this truly broke my heart to pieces, but MAC uses several toxic chemicals in their products! One of the most harmful chemicals they use in their eyeshadow is called BHT. It can cause "neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, allergies/immunotoxicity, organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), and irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs)." Also, MAC conducts animal testing and has not signed the Compact for Safe Cosmetics!
  

• L'Oreal: Basically, their cosmetics pose a low to moderate safety risk. However, all of their hair color brands were very very high risk. Be very careful when using these at-home hair dye formulas.

I am seriously disturbed! To avoid your exposure to potential risk, try to integrate some truly natural products into your beauty regimen (some products that claim to be "natural" contain just the same chemicals, but that's another post).

Here are some of the safest cosmetics brands, which do not conduct animal testing and do not include dangerous chemicals in their products.

• Bare Escentuals
• Burt's Bees
• Jane Iredale Cosmetics
• Larenim Cosmetics
• Zosimos Botanicals
  

Doing all of this research has proven to be very shocking. Even though one use of a product may not be immediately detrimental, exessive use over time can cause harmful effects. I'm not saying that you should stop using your favorite cosmetics. I will definitely be reading the ingredients list and buying more truly natural products, but I probably won't stop using MAC products. I know you probably won't either. Let's be real. However, we all need to be aware of exactly what we are ingesting and putting on our faces. That is the most important thing.

Here are some more resources on the safety of the cosmetics that we use every single day:

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics

Skin Deep - Chemicals in Cosmetics

[Product Junkie]: Beauty 911 Kit

I hope everyone had a great 4th of July! Take this time to have fun with your family and friends, relax or do whatever makes you happiest.

In a previous post, I mentioned the importance of looking presentable at all times. One of the easiest ways to do this is by always having a "Beauty 911 Kit" that you can transfer from your school bag to your handbag and more. Here are my picks for the essential products that can fit in every purse you own!




The "Beauty 911 Kit" gives you a sense of empowerment and versatility. Even if you decide to leave the house without makeup, if you get invited to dinner or have to run to a last-minute meeting, you can quickly give yourself a boost with these items, or similar products of your choosing.

[Store Spotlight]: The ULTA-MATE Beauty Destination!

Okay, I might be late when it comes to reporting this AMAZING store, but it’s new to me so I’m excited.

Has anyone been inside Ulta Beauty?

I always saw it, but prejudged it as being a wannabe Sephora with products that were not quality. I was wrong, oh so very wrong. I had just gotten a new haircut and was looking for something to play up my layers and bangs, so I figured I’d check out the Ulta near the salon.

As soon as I walked in, my jaw dropped. Ulta is the ULTA-MATE beauty playground! I was like a kid in candy store! Well… I was like myself in a candy store….

Anyway, this store had everything in your local CVS or Walgreens times 10. They include the full product lines of brands such as L’Oreal H.I.P., Maybelline and more. You know how sometimes you can’t find the H.I.P. cream eyeliner color you want? That seems like it will never be a problem at Ulta.

That’s not all. Ulta has everything you could EVER think of possibly wanting. It’s a product junkie’s paradise. They have skincare, nailcare galore (Essie, OPI, Sally Hansen, etc.), hair products unlimited and so much more. They have a full salon within the store and include literally EVERY SINGLE hair product line that there is. They have everything from Redken to Joico to Ojon and so much more. I was literally overwhelmed!

As I continued to marvel at this place, I saw the holy grail of any store… the clearance section!

They had the best clearance deals I could have imagined. I found a great paddle brush for $1.99 (they usually go for about $7-$14), an OPI basecoat and topcoat set for $4.99 (Just one of those would sell for $8) and an abundance of other deals.

One of the great things that sets Ulta apart is that they sell small sample sizes of products for non-committal types like myself. You can buy a small bottle of a more expensive item for as little as $3.95 instead of shelling out $20 on the full size. Hell, you might be able to stretch the sample and never buy the full size (TIP for my fellow bargain shoppers).

Anyway, I could go on and on and ON about this store. The fact is, you need to see it for yourself.

The only Ulta I know of in Miami is in the Southland Mall, but I’m sure there are more.

Find your local Ulta store here.

P.S. Bring a male friend with you so you are not encouraged to go BANKRUPT. If you took me with you, we’d both go bankrupt, which is NOT advised.