review
Schwartzkopf’s Dust It
Review:
Schwartzkopf’s “Dust It” Mattifying Powder
Guest Post Written By: Chelsea Winston – Product Expert
Sprinkle. Rub. Comb. Now go wild!
Schwartzkopf’s “Dust It” is my new favorite volumizing product that allows you to do pretty much whatever you want to your otherwise boring and lifeless hair.
What is It?
The answer to every girl’s dream; guys, you would love the versatility of this product as well! “Dust it” is a mattifying powder that adds texture and volume to the hair. It’s ultra lightweight, and once sprinkled in, it provides movement, separation, and volume to all hair types. You can lift, separate, and tease as you like and if you want a stronger hold, just keep on adding more product as you go!
How to Use It:
Lightly sprinkle the powder on dry hair or into the palms of your hands, rub together, and then comb through your hair with your fingers. I like to section out my hair with a comb, and tap powder throughout the sections. If you want to use “Dust It” for volume, sprinkle it on the roots of your crown. Massage the product into your hair, then pull the root of the hair upwards (this will give your hair more volume if it’s flat, or separation if it’s short and layered).
Pros:
*Great to use if your hair is dirty or greasy. The matte powder absorbs extra oil residue and will give the hair a more clean finish.
*Has a light hold. It doesn’t dry hard like a gel, but it’s nice because throughout the day, you can lift and mold the hair without the product getting sticky or flakey.
* The bottle is small, so you can take it wherever you go! When I say wherever, ladies- it’s so tiny you can fit it in your clutch for a girl’s night out. No one likes boring, flat hair!
* “Dust It” will not rob your pockets. The average price is $22, at most retail locations. Although the bottle is small, you need very little to get your desired result, so this will last you a long time.
Cons:
*Brunettes Beware: This white powder may show up in your hair if not rubbed in properly. Make sure you really massage it in, so that the product can be absorbed into the hair in order for it to blend properly.
*It does leave a little bit of a sticky residue, so if you are one who enjoys being able to run your hands through your hair, just use less of this product!
Review: TanTowel
What Is It?
TanTowels are individually packaged towelettes that when applied to the body, give you a natural looking and easy to achieve tan without having to expose yourself to harmful UVA and UVB rays.
Review:
As a California girl, I love to be tan. Fortunately (and unfortunately) I quit baking in the sun over a year ago, so I am constantly on the search for self tanners that will give me a natural looking glow year round (it’s 80 degrees in the middle of November as I speak). The sun is always shining, therefore the women of California are always tan 
With TanTowel, you can choose from two different formulas, their Classic Towelette, or the Plus Towelette. The Classic is geared toward those with fair-medium skintones and the Plus is for medium-dark skintones. I am naturally fair-medium skinned, but of course, I found myself leaning toward the Plus lol. I decided to test both; I applied the Classic on my legs, and the Plus on my chest and arms.
Application
Applying TanTowel was extremely easy. After opening the packaging, you unfold the towel and rub it on your body in a circular motion, making sure to hit every inch. There is no initial color so it makes it somewhat difficult to know if you’ve missed a spot or applied too much. I love how fast the product dried! I was able to apply my tan, and be dressed in under 10 minutes.
Tip: The circular motions are very important! The first time I tried it, I slapped the towel on and rubbed in all over. End result: I was a streaky mess!
Smell
The smell of the towelettes when applying TanTowel is very pleasant! It smells light and citrusy. Many people complain about the gross smell of self tanners and this is one of the best smelling tanners I’ve used. After several hours, once the tan began to develop, I was able to smell that familiar “self tanner” scent, but it wasn’t nearly as bad as most, and it washed off easily in the shower.
The Results
After about 4 hours, I began to notice my tan developing on my arms and chest (where I applied the Plus). The color looks very natural on my skin, which I love. It’s not orange at all. I’m not as dark as I expected to be, but it still looks fantastic.
On my legs (where I applied the Classic), I can barley see a color difference. I would recommend the Classic towelettes for those with very pale skin, or those who want more of a “glow” than a tan.
Overall, I love the results that TanTowel gave me! It’s been over 5 days and although the color has lightened a bit, it still looks great!
Where Can I Buy It?
You can find a TanTowel retailer near you by clicking here!
Any Cons?
-If you don’t apply properly, you will be left with streaks. Make sure to apply in a thorough circular motion!
-Even though one Full Body Towel is supposed to cover your whole body, it dries out relatively quick. You will probably have to use 1 Full Body Towelette + 1 Half Body Towelette in order to tan your entire body.
-The price is pretty steep especially if you are a regular self tanner. A pack of 5 Full Body Plus Towels is $25!
Disclaimer: From time to time, companies will send me products to review. I pride myself in providing my readers with honest feedback of the products I am testing. I will not recommend something I would not use personally or professionally. Sending me product does not guarantee a review and I accept no monetary compensation for in exchange for reviews.
Review: Scott Barnes Body Bling
What is it?
Scott Barnes is a celebrity makeup artist with a client list to drool over. He has made up the faces of Beyonce, Kate Hudson, Kim Kardashian, Gwenyth Paltrow, and Celine Dion. Barnes is most known for being Jennifer Lopez’s makeup artist for over 11 years, and he is solely responsible for her signature “glow.” Lucky for us, Scott Barnes has created a shimmering body moisturizer to gives everyone the opportunity to look sunkissed and red carpet ready like the stars!
Keri Hilson Wearing Body Bling at the Grammy’s
Why is it Amazing?
I have been testing out Body Bling on myself and at shoots for the past week and I’m obsessed with it! There are two different colors you can buy; Original, which gives your skin a gorgeous bronzed glow or Platinum, which gives off a lighter, champagne colored glow. Platinum is perfect for fair skin because it doesn’t apply color, just a natural golden shimmer. I can’t decide which one I like more!
Up close and in sunlight, the product is very shimmery but step back, and the shimmer blurs, making your skin literally look like it is “lit from within.” Bonus: It also evens out small imperfections.
Last week, I used Platinum Body Bling on a photoshoot for a “young hollywood” actress and I loved how it translated on camera!! The photographer asked me if I had done anything to her skin because he loved the “healthy, glowy, already photoshopped” effect.
I love that Body Bling rubs effortlessly into your skin without leaving unattractive streaks all over your body. It also lasts forever, I still had some on even after I showered!
This product is super versatile too! You can wear it at the beach when you want to add a little sexy to your suit, or rub some on before a date so you sparkle in low level lighting of your favorite restaurant.
Scott Barnes Demonstrates How to Apply Body Bling
Where Can I Buy It?
You can purchase Body Bling on Scott Barnes’ website: Here OR find a retail location near you that carries it: Here
Any Cons?
-This is a high end, luxury product so unfortunately it’s expensive. ($38 a bottle for 4 fl oz)
-Some people might find the product to be too shimmery (up close) or too “glamorous” for their taste.
Jennifer Lopez’s Infamous “Glow”
Disclaimer: From time to time, companies will send me products or samples. I pride myself in providing my readers with honest feedback of the products I am testing. I will not recommend something I would not use personally or professionally.
Review: Sigma Makeup Brushes
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For the past few months, I have been seeing Sigma Brushes in the brush rolls of many of my colleagues and celebrity makeup artists that I have had the opportunity to assist. Of course, I had to test these brushes out for myself! I have been test driving my new Sigma Makeup “Professional Brushes Complete Kit” for about a month and I am excited to finally share these awesome (budget-friendly brushes) with everyone!
Review:
My first opportunity to use my new Sigma Brushes was on a photoshoot with an actress named Alexandra Daddario, from the film Percy Jackson and the Lighting Thief. Even though I usually go through tons of brushes when I work, I forced myself to use only the 12 brushes in my Sigma brush roll (ok, ok… and only like 8 of my regular brushes as well 
). It was much easier than I thought it would be since you have pretty much every brush you need to do a whole face! I need more when I work, but you could definitely get by on these 12 for everyday makeup application.
Quality
On first inspection of the brushes, you can tell they are very good quality. The bristles are silky smooth and they just feel well made. I use a lot of brushes from Crown (which are cheap, but not necessarily the best) and the difference a quality brush makes really can transform your application. After a month of use and routine cleaning, they are still holding up really well. I’m getting a little bit of shedding from several of the brushes, but not enough to worry too much about.
Price
One of the best things about Sigma Makeup Brushes is their price! They are extremely affordable, especially since the quality compares many higher end lines. The Professional Brushes Complete Kit that I have is only $69 without the brush roll ($89 w/brush roll). To get an entire brush set at that price is an amazing deal that would be hard to find anywhere else. If you are on a budget but don’t want to skimp on quality, I highly recommend Sigma Makeup Brushes.
Standouts:
The pencil brush is one of my favorites from the collection. It really helps give a precise application and is awesome for applying eyeshadow to the crease of the eye. I also love it for buffing out a harsh eyeliner, to get a smokey effect. I definitely have found myself reaching for this brush the most!
This has become one of my favorite concealer brushes! It is very firm and the shape is great!! It has a slight point at the tip which I really like for doing detail work. It can cover a pimple effortlessly! It came in handy on a recent shoot when the model’s foundation kept creasing in her undereye folds. I would just pop in and quickly knock it out with this brush and we’d be shooting again in the blink of an eye.
I looove Duo Fibre brushes!! The synthetic tip blends foundation, powder, blush etc flawlessly for an amazing, airbrushed look. This Duo Fibre brush from Sigma is great because it compares to MAC’s infamous 187 brush, for only a fraction of the price! The only real difference between the two is that MAC’s is slightly denser and $26 more expensive! MAC’s 187 retails for $42, while Sigma’s retails at $16. Yes please.
I am in love with this little “Hollywood Glamour Kabuki” brush! It is sooo soft and cute! It’s a little too bulky and awkward to fit in my brush belt, so I’m actually keeping this one for personal use! It buffs my powder and bronzer on flawlessly and is retractable, so perfect for throwing in your purse for mid-day touch ups!
Any Cons?
-The Eyeliner Brush (SS209) is a little too thick for my taste. I prefer a slimmer brush that allows me to build. For someone with smaller eyes, or not much of a crease, the line you would get from this brush would probably be too thick. On a positive note, I have been using it on the lips lately and actually love it! The point gives me control and the ability to make perfect lines while eliminating bleeding.
-The Contouring Brush (SS168) has altered shape after several washings. It is not as tight as it used to be, which is makes it more difficult for precise contouring. It’s slowly becoming a great blush brush though
- I wish all of the brushes were available for individual sale. As far as I can tell, some are not available to purchase separately.
Disclaimer: From time to time, companies will send me products to review. I pride myself in providing my readers with honest feedback of the products I am testing. I will not recommend something I would not use personally or professionally.
Milani’s HD Advanced Concealer Vs. YSL Touche Eclat
Drugstore vs. High End
I love perusing drugstore beauty aisles in hopes of finding amazing products for really cheap. About a month ago, I came across an exact look alike of YSL’s bestselling Touche Eclat highlighter/concealer! Of course, I snatched it up as fast as I could and kept my fingers crossed that this Milani knockoff was as good as the real deal.
Review: Milani’s HD Advanced Concealer
First of all, can I just say that I am annoyed this is called “HD” concealer. What about it makes it HD?? I never used the brush applicator because of sanitation reasons, but I tested it on my hand and the brush strokes are completely visible. If I used this for HD work, I would be fired haha, Lastly, HD is not a “product,” it is a technology. Makeup for HD is all about the application, and nothing else.
Ok, now that we got that out of the way… lol
I’ve been using Milani’s HD Advanced Concealer on several different shoots over the past month to test it out. The click pen is kind of annoying to use. It took about 20 clicks to get the product out when I first opened it, and I thought it was broken! It still takes a few seconds for the product to dispense and when I work, time is money so it’s not ideal for me. I can see how it would be a great product to throw in your purse for mid-day touch ups though! The product is very creamy and easy to blend and and doesn’t accentuate dryness under the eyes, or give off that ugly cakey look. It works well for mild darkness under the eyes, but if you have anything more than that, you probably need a more heavily pigmented product. It doesn’t last all day and you will most likely need to touch it up a few times, but for the price it is a great option! It only comes in four colors and I wish they had a better range to accommodate darker skintones.
YSL vs. Milani
Packaging
At first glance, you would barely be able to tell the difference between the two products. They both come in a gold, pen-like tube with a brush applicator. They also both have the clicker at the bottom to dispense the product.
Product
Both products have a similar consistency and feel to them. The main difference is that Touche Eclat works best for highlighting and the HD Concealer is better for concealing. Although it claims to brighten, Milani’s version does not contain the light reflecting particles that YSL’s does. That right there is enough to put each product on different playing fields.
Price
While Yves Saint Larent’s Touche Eclat will set you back a whopping $40, Milani’s version is only $6.99!!
The Bottom Line:
Milani’s product is a great, cheap concealer option. It works well and is great for on the go touch-ups. There are some similarities between YSL, and for the price, it’s definitely a great alternative but in my opinion, they shouldn’t really even be compared.
Have you Tried Milani’s HD Concealer? What do you Think?
Review: Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Powder
Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Powder- Give Yourself the Cheekbones You’ve Always Wanted!
What is it?
Kevyn Aucoin’s Sculpting Powder is a contouring powder. The color is specially made to mimic the “color” of shadows, so when properly applied it can be used to shape, sculpt, minimize or sharpen features!
Why is it Amazing?
Kevyn Aucoin was a makeup artist renowned for his dramatic and incredible transformations using makeup. Check out this picture (below) where he transformed Calista Flockhart into Aubrey Hepburn and Gywneth Paltrow into James Dean!! How could his sculpting powder not be amazing?
One of the main reasons that I love this product is because of the color! Many times, people use bronzer to contour, which can look too orange, or contain shimmer. This product is formulated with brown, gray and red pigments to create the look of a natural shadow!
I recently used the sculpting powder on a model with a rounder face. The photographer wanted her to look more angular for a specific look, so it was the perfect opportunity for me to see how well this actually works! I sculpted out cheekbones and contoured around her jawline, hairline and along her nose. It worked beautifully!! She looked like a different person.
It goes on super smooth and blends really well. It comes with a sponge but I use a brush to apply. I would think that the sponge might deposit too much color.
Where Can I Buy It?
Kevyn Aucoin’s Website
Or check out Amazon.com, Drugstore.com and Beauty.com
Any Cons?
-The price! At $42 a pop, it’s not the most budget friendly product 
Keep an eye on HauteLook.com! They have sales on Kevyn Aucoin and I got mine for 40% off!
- You really have to practice with this one! It’s really easy to use too much product which will make your face look dirty. Not cute.
Lea Michelle’s makeup artist Melanie Inglessis used Kevyn Aucoin’s sculpting powder on her for the 2010 Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards.
Kristen Stewart’s makeup artist, Beau Nelson uses Kevin Aucoin’s Sculpting Powder on her all the time. This picture (above) is from her appearance on Jimmy Fallon.
Do you Contour? What Products Do you Use?
Twilight Volturi Makeup Swatches
Twilight Makeup
I was in Hot Topic the other day and spotted this! I heard that Twilight was coming out with a line of makeup, but I didn’t think the rumor was serious! haha. Anyway, I swatched a few of the products because I figured that some people might care
The Low-Down:
The eyeshadows were nice, a little flaky but the colors were pretty pigmented.
The lipglosses on the other hand, were not that impressive. Enrapture wasn’t bad but it reminded me of the kind of gloss you give to children to make them feel grown up, but it’s really just a creamier chapstick with a hint of color.
Feel me?
And don’t even get me started on Arsenic! Who wants grey lips??? I know that black lips were trending last year, but this is not what they were talking about lol! The color is super sheer and it just made my hand look really dirty.
Needless to say, I’ll be passing on the collection. I am however more intrigued to see the movie! If a movie inspires a makeup collection (good or bad), it must be doing something right!
