LORAC Cosmetics Close Up: Real Life To Red Carpet Eye Tutorial Kit Reviews And Swatches

I’m a bargain-hunter, at my core.  Rather than purchase inexpensive products on an as-needed basis like some frugalistas, I prefer to stock up on luxe bargains… striking like a cobra when I spot a great deal.

The Close Up Eye Tutorial Kit by LORAC is a perfect example of the type of deal I’m always on the prowl to purchase.  For only $36, this value kit has a retail value of $110 if you were to buy each item individually.  Unlike some value sets that offer discounts on outlandish shades, LORAC Close Up Eye Tutorial Kit contains must-have/frequently-used beauty products for eye makeup application.  The set includes a Behind the Scenes Eye Primer, Starry-Eyed Baked Eye Shadow Trio in Movie Star, Special Effects Mascara in Black, Front of the Line PRO Eyeliner in Black and Double Ended Blending/ Smudging Brush.

Perhaps my favorite aspect of this kit is the enclosed eye makeup application tutorial, with Carol Shaw’s own step-by-step instructions on how to apply her fabulous products. I’ll admit, I’ve followed Carol’s four-step instructions to achieve a “Natural Eye”, and LOVE the result. It’s truly a gorgeous and easy to achieve look for daytime.

But, if you’re the type who frequently heads out for drinks after work, you’ll love Close Up all the more! Tote your kit with you to work, and flip the manual’s page from “Natural Eye” to either “Sexy Cat Eye” or “Signature Smokey Eye” to build upon your original look for evening fun!

Retail price for the LORAC Close Up Eye Tutorial Kit is $36.

LORAC Cosmetics, Movie Star, Starry Eyed Baked Eye Shadow Trio, Swatches, Reviews, Makeup Blog

Swatch above: Starry-Eyed Baked Eye Shadow in “Movie Star”

Click HERE to buy LORAC Close Up at Sephora.com

The author of Raging Rouge received press samples for purposes of this makeup review / product review. For more information on sample policies, please click HERE to read my full disclosure statement.

Summer Hairstyles 2010: Tips And Tricks!

hair style, tippi shorter, bohemian ballerina, up-do

Why is it that the perfect, casual bun seems so difficult to create?  Well, Global Stylist Advisors worked backstage at Charlotte Ronson’s Fashion Show, where they interpreted the clothing designs to create a simple, girly style that any woman could wear.  The look above–named “Bohemian Ballerina” was created with just a few Advance Techniques products by Avon.  Click HERE to check out the line.

Bohemian Ballerina (photographed above and below)
“Create a fresh, young wispy look to amp up simple designs in your wardrobe this season.”
–Tippi Shorter

1. Prep wet hair from root to tip with Volumizing Mousse to enhance natural shine and create volume. Using the Cushion Brush, blow dry hair section by section to distribute the product and create natural texture.
2. Gather the hair tight to form a ponytail at the back crown of the head and secure with a ponytail holder, keeping all sides flat. Holding hair at the end of the ponytail, twist the hair firmly in one direction to form a knot into a spiral. Secure with bobby pins.
3. On the sides, “muse” the little wispy hairs to play up the natural texture. Lightly spray with Hair Spray to complete the style and hold in place.

summer hairstyles, summer hair ideas, tippi shorter

Tippi makes it seem so effortless!

Estee Lauder Blue Dahlia: Get the Look!

estee lauder blue dahlia look 1

Many thanks to Estee Lauder, for this tutorial on how to get the “Blue Dahlia” look, from their latest limited-edition Fall 2010 makeup collection!

FACE
Double Wear Stay-in-Place Powder Makeup in SPF 10 all over face
to create a matte base.

EYES
NEW Pure Color Five Color EyeShadow Palette in Blue Dahlia
(Refer to diagram)

estee lauder blue dahlia
• Shade 4 over entire lid as base. Blend.
• Shade 3 to frame the eye:
- Start at crease, extend above and out to outer corner.
- Define and blend into outer corner.
- Extend down under lower lashes. Blend.
• Shades 5 and 1 blended together. Apply over inner 2/3 of lid.
• Shade 1 as liner along lashline.
• Shade 2 blended over liner at upper lashline. Blend out into outer corner.
• Sumptuous Bold Volume Lifting Mascara on upper and lower lashes.

LIPS
• Pure Color Gloss Stick in Rose Dusk
• Pure Color Gloss in Twilight Petal
• For a more dramatic lip look, use Pure Color Gloss Stick in Midnight
Bloom with Pure Color Gloss in Midnight Bloom.

FINISHING TOUCHES
• Softly emphasize cheeks with Signature Satin Creme Blush in Nude
Light and Bronze Goddess Matte Bronzer.

Click HERE to shop at EsteeLauder.com.

Click HERE to buy Estee Lauder at Nordstrom online.

Click HERE to shop Estee Lauder at Macy’s.

The author of Raging Rouge received press samples for purposes of this makeup review / product review. For more information on sample policies, please click HERE to read my full disclosure statement.

Estee Lauder Surreal Violet: Get the Look!

estee lauder surreal violet look

Many thanks to Estee Lauder, for this tutorial on how to get the “Surreal Violet” look, from their latest limited-edition Fall 2010 makeup collection!

FACE
• Double Wear Stay-in-Place Powder Makeup in SPF 10 all over
face to create a matte base.

EYES
NEW Pure Color Five Color EyeShadow Palette in Surreal Violet
(Refer to diagram)

estee lauder surreal violet
• Shade 4 over entire lid as base. Blend.
• Shade 5 on center of lid, from lash to crease. Buff up slightly.
• Shade 3 on outer 1/3 of lid and blend out to outer corner.
• Pure Color EyeShadow in Enchanted Meadow at inner corner of
lid to highlight.
• Shade 1 as liner along upper lashline.
• Shade 2 along lower lashline.
• Sumptuous Bold Volume Lifting Mascara in Black on upper and
lower lashes.

LIPS
• Pure Color Gloss Stick in Orchid Dream
• Pure Color Gloss in Star Pink
• For a more dramatic lip look, use Pure Color Gloss Stick in Midnight
Bloom with Pure Color Gloss in Midnight Bloom.

FINISHING TOUCHES
• Softly emphasize cheeks with Signature Satin Creme Blush in Berry Light
and Signature Silky Powder Blush in Rosewood.

Click HERE to shop at EsteeLauder.com.

Click HERE to buy Estee Lauder at Nordstrom online.

Click HERE to shop Estee Lauder at Macy’s.

The author of Raging Rouge received press samples for purposes of this makeup review / product review. For more information on sample policies, please click HERE to read my full disclosure statement.

Summer Makeup Ideas: How to Achieve A Natural, Sun-Kissed Look For 2010!

natural makeup ideas, summer 2010 makeup ideas, summer 2010 makeup advice, summer 2010 makeup tricks, summer makeup ideas, summer makeup tips, summer makeup tricks, summer makeup advice, Gayle BrewerToday I have a special treat! Gayle Brewer, an LA makeup artist specializing in makeup application for Hispanic and Asian women, is sharing her expert advice!  Here’s Gayle’s take on how to achieve a natural, sun-kissed Summer makeup look!

Summer is officially here.  And, it’s time for new looks in makeup.
 
Many women like bright colors for summer makeup, but I think less is more particularly for younger women and teens.  I recommend sticking to neutrals during hot summer months.  Here are some makeup suggestions to achieve a fresh, sun-kissed look.
 
Pair an eggshell eye shadow such as Two Faced from Natural Eye Collection with dramatic, but not false, eye lashes.  Get them using very dark mascara such as Mabeline’s Great Lash Mascara.  It is the darkest black I have found, it stays on longer, and it does not clump. To keep with the natural look, use brown eyeliner under the eyes.  Try MAC Earthlink, it is a lighter shade that still adds depth to eyes.
 
Another good MAC product for a more dramatic night time look is Rapid Black Liquid for the upper lids.  It is sharp, not messy.  It works like a Sharpee so there is no need to keep dipping the applicator into the liquid which can make it difficult to form thin, uniform lines.
 
Go for pink shimmery cheeks, with the same color lipstick and gloss.  Or, try NARS Orgasm Bronzer as a blush and lipstick.  On cheeks, it makes skin look moist while giving it a healthy glow. And, the color is great for lips! It is very natural and its stays on longer than lipstick.
                                                                                                                                       
During the summer avoid heavy foundation.  It will make you look too overdone on hot, humid days.  A tinted moisturizer, the same color as your skin, will even out the skin tone, while looking natural. If you need more cover, use a little bit of regular foundation, not powder.  MAC Face and Body—Beach Days looks nice or, if you need more staying power, try Laura Mercier products.
 
There are several types of body bronzers that work well for achieving a sun-kissed look.  Hula Bronze body makeup has good staying power.  Michael Kors Body Bronzer is little darker, making it nice for legs and arms.  It is a deodorant-like stick so the application is easy for days at the beach.  These products all have sunblock in them but always remember to apply sunblock first thing in the morning and reapply if you go into the water or exercise.

For an appointment with Gayle Brewer, visit Celia Caserta, Inc..

Spring 2010 Makeup Trends, Predicted By Christopher Drummond Beauty!

christopher drummond beauty, spring makeup advice, spring makeup tips, spring 2010, beauty blog, makeup reviews, cosmetics newsAccording to celebrity makeup artist Christopher Drummond–creator of the all-natural, vegan, mineral makeup line Christopher Drummond Beauty–Spring 2010 makeup is all about beautiful but muted colors, coral lips, and the bottom eyelid. Here are Christopher’s trend predictions for spring 2010:
 
Color: Colors such as a slightly shimmery baby blue, a barely there soft pink, and a softly noticeable tangerine color are going to be the “go to” colors for spring/summer. These colors work on everyone and bring more focus to the skin, cheekbones and lips.
 
Lips:  Coral, whether bright or muted, is the new classic that will be explored starting this spring/summer and throughout 2010. Also, anyone can wear coral because it is fresh and youthful looking and rich yet subtle at the same time.
 
Eyes: Spring/Summer 2010 will be all about the bottom lid.  Adding a light amount of colored liner on the bottom lid, which looks fresh and modern and is a way to add color to the eyes without going overboard. (Tip: this color should not match the top lid).  Another eye trend is no makeup at all on the bottom. A nice thick liner with rich mascara and a colored shadow on top paired with a bare bottom lash line will open the eyes up and look youthful and fresh. 
 
For more information about Christopher Drummond Beauty, visit www.christopherdrummond.com.

Wintery And Wonderful: Tips From Jemma Kidd

Jemma Kidd, poses for photographs at her Make up School in West London, UK October 30, 2008 Photographer: Carmen ValinoGreetings, makeup and beauty lovers!  Today, Raging Rouge has a special treat.  Jemma Kidd, founder of the Jemma Kidd Make Up School, has some makeup tips to beat the “winter blues” and achieve the hottest look of the season!

First and foremost, get your skin ready. Use a gentle exfoliator to lift away dead skin cells and reveal brighter skin beneath. Look for ingredients like green tea and aloe to calm and protect the skin, or essential oils to soften and condition.

Follow with a rich moisturizer to form a protective barrier against the drying effects of cold weather. Apply moisturizing radiance boosting liquid foundation to even out the skin tone and give an iridescent quality.

Pat in concealer where needed to hide blemishes and neutralize redness, which can be exacerbated by the cold weather.

Blend cool pink cream blush over the cheekbones for a natural-looking flush. Dust the face with ultra-fine translucent powder for a velvety smooth finish.

Then move to the eyes. Tidy the brows and lightly define the shape. Pat a concealer or eye primer over the lids and at the corners of the eyes if necessary to neutralize redness.

Using a white eyeliner pencil, outline the eyes all the way around, including the inner corners, and draw along the inner rim of the lower lids.

Then, apply a wash of cream matte powder eyeshadow over the lids from the lash line to the browbone.

Using a synthetic brush, apply frosty metallic cream eyeshadow over the lids, blending it from the lash line to the socket crease.

Apply brown mascara to the upper lashes only to complete the look.

Finally, moisturize and protect the lips with a hydrating balm and top with a candy pink lipgloss for a cool, glassy finish.

Thanks much to Jemma for this amazing advice!  Have a wonderful day, readers!

The Best Bangs For Your Face Shape: Courtesy Of Antonio Prieto

Every few years, I get the urge to cut bangs into my hair.  Each time I cut bangs, only months later I start to grow them out.  Recently, my husband talked me off the ledge once again.  I love bangs on others… but why don’t they work on me?  
If you’re wondering if bangs will work on you, and what type of bangs you should choose, this post is written just for you!  Antonio Prieto of the Antonio Prieto Salon in New York has offered up this sage advice to my readers and his clients:  IT’S ALL ABOUT YOUR FACE SHAPE

best bangs for your face shape, antonio prieto, oblong shaped faceOBLONG
The goal here is to create width through the side of the face since this face shape is long and narrow – a longer side-swept bang is perfect. But be careful, the length of the bang is the most important factor. Make sure the bangs fall on or near the cheekbone.
best bangs for your face shape, antonio prieto, triangular faceTRIANGLE
Bangs are a great idea for this face shape because of its narrow forehead and fuller jaw line. Bangs would create width through the forehead.
best bangs for your face shape, antonio prieto, best bangs for a round faceROUND
Unfortunately for those with a round face, bangs will not work for this shape. Bangs will only draw more attention to the fullness of this face. The eye will see less face which translates to a shorter, fuller and wider looking face.
best bangs for your face shape, antonio prieto, oval shaped faceDIAMOND
This shape is basically an angular oval. A short sideswept bang works the best with this face shape to soften the angular areas.
best bangs for your face shape, antonio prieto, heart shaped faceHEART
The chin is narrow and the forehead is already wide in this shape. But as long as the section of hair being cut into bangs is kept narrow and does not extend past the outside of the eye, bangs can beautifully complement someone with a heart-shaped face.

To make an appointment with Anthony, visit AntonioPrietoSalon.com.

Holiday ’09 Eye Makeup Ideas: Brett Freedman, Celebrity Makeup Artist

Celebrity makeup artist Brett Freedman is a big fan of wine and berry shades this season.  Here is his "how to" create a dramatic plum/berry eye makeup look.

 

Burgundy/plum eyeshadow: My tip for adding these fun, unique shades to your make up bag is to head to the drugstore. I really like Maybelline's Rose Tints Duo. These shades to give the eyes instant intensity but with a soft vibe. Here's how:

 

1: Sweep the lighter shade across lid and on brow bone. I like to take the lightest, shimmery color and smooth into the inner eye/tear duct area. This trick catches light and brings eyes to life. 

 

2. Using a small, tight brush use the darker shade and dot/stroke under the bottom lash line. Keep it very close to the lash line. I like to wet the small brush to get the most color impact and help with staying power. Line about 3/4 toward the inner eye.

 

3. Using a slightly larger eye shadow brush blend the deeper shade into the crease. I would go from outer corner to 3/4 toward the tear duct. You want to really nudge out the lid so it really pops. Blend up and outward to give the eyes a sexy lift.
 
Crisp, dramatic brows: With an amp'd up eye, you want to make sure your arches don't look low watt. Be sure to give your brows a nice clean up early in the season so they are always camera ready.  Define your brows with a pencil or powder that's one shade lighter than your hairs. You want a shadow of definition, not a hard filled in line. Try Vanitymark's Ultra-Brow powder.

 

My tip: if you are wearing your hair up, give brows a touch extra crispness since they will be center stage.

Click HERE to visit Vanitymark to check out Brett's portfolio!

Holiday ’09 Eye Makeup Ideas: Jemma Kidd, Jemma Kidd Make Up School

This sparkling New Year's Eve party eye makeup idea was created by Jemma Kidd: founder of the Jemma Kidd Makeup School.  Just reading Jemma's advice gets me in a party mood!

1. Don’t be afraid to go a little wild – it’s New Year’s Eve after all! The perfect party look: glitter never fails to get girls in the mood to hit the dance floor. The inspiration is the heady days of disco, Studio 54 and 1970’s glam rock, but toned down for a more refined interpretation.

2. Tidy and emphasize the brows to provide a nice frame to your face.

3. Start with the eyes, that way you can dust away any particles before applying foundation. Draw along the upper lash line with a mahogany eyeliner pencil, working the tip between the roots of the lashes to add volume.

4. Create a base by using a synthetic brush to apply beige-gold crème eyeshadow from the upper lash line to the socket crease.

5. Next up – sparkle! Using a natural brush, layer gold glitter over the top, pressing it with the brush so that it sticks to the crème underneath. Using a pointed eyeliner brush, apply a line of crème and glitter just beneath the lower lash line.

6. Finish the dewy look by brushing a neutral highlighter over the browbone.

7. To up the flirt-factor, make your eyelashes super long with false-lash corners, curling and coating with a lengthening black mascara.

8. Make sure there are no traces of glitter on your cheeks before starting on your face.

Click HERE to shop for Jemma Kidd Make Up School products