Heading out to EDC or other raves and clubs this summer? Stand out in the crowd with these glow-mazing UV makeup products! Glow-in-the-dark cosmetics isn’t just for Halloween anymore. These products look nice and normal under regular light, then super bright (and fierce!) under black light. With so many options, you can choose to light up your eyes, lips or nails.
Stila’s lip crayons come in six brighter-than-the-80′s shades that will come alive under UV black light. The formula’s secret ingredient is fluorescent pigments which allow it to glow. Other ingredients include algae extract, sunflower seed oil and vitamins C and E, so it glides on and hydrates your lips while you dance the night away.
These super fine powder pigments come in eight shades, including an “invisible” white that shows only under UV black light. The powders can be used on the eyes, lips or body. I love using these as eyeliners! I recommend wetting them for a more intense “glow.” Check out the beautiful editorials below…if they don’t want to make you run out to the nearest rave in some tacky furry go-go boots I don’t know what will.
Illamasqua UV Glow Nail Varnish
I wrote about this in a recent post, and just had to mention them again here. Illamasqua debuted three shades of these UV Nail Varnishes in their “Paranormal” summer launch. They have a beautiful opacity under regular light, then turn into neon “monsters” under black lights. Illamasqua also carries a clear top coat version of this formula called Geist, which will turn any nail polish you have into a UV black light masterpiece. Who needs glow sticks when you got glow-fingers?!
Would you wear any of these products?
Hi Beauties,
Summer has already reared her unforgivably hot head in some parts of the United States, and that means a major increase in face grease. If you live in super humid areas or suffer from an oily T-zone, there is help. There are a ton of products out there made specifically for this problem and can help control your oil and keep your foundation from dripping down your chin.
Philosophy Total Matteness Oil-free Pore Eraser: $40
This natural product is made with bamboo extract, which absorbs 200% of its weight in oil. Lentil seed minimizes the appearance of large pores and salicylic acid helps remove build-up of dead cells around the pore wall, brightening its darkened appearance. Since this is a serum, all you have to do is pat in a small amount just in the areas you are oily- normally the T-zone (forehead and nose, possibly the chin and upper lip area too). Do this first, then apply your primer and foundation. You can also wear this on bare skin!
MAC Cosmetics Matte Creme: $20
This clear silicone-based product is a matte-ifying cream that acts like a powder, M·A·C Matte can be used on bare or made-up skin. I’m a huge fan of this stuff. It literally changes the texture of your skin, making it velvety soft while also soaking up all the oil. Apply this after your moisturizer, and before primer and foundation. It can also be used on bare or made-up skin.
Urban Decay De-Slick Oil Control Makeup Setting Spray: $29
De-Slick is a makeup setting spray that mists on to control oil and deflect surface shine. This stuff will also help keep foundation, shadow and blush from smudging, sliding or fading. Developed in an exclusive partnership with SKINDINÄVIA, this formula features a patented Temperature Control Technology that actually lowers the temperature of your makeup to help it stay put while also keeping your skin oil-free!
TGIF Beauties!
Since it’s Friday and some of you are probably planning a fabulous night out, I thought I’d bring you a “going out” makeup look. This makeup is super -wearable but still has nighttime elements like glitter and smoke. Ooh-la-la!
This is a great makeup look to try if you have a ton of bold, bright eyeshadow colors and have no idea how to use them. Don’t be afraid of color! Instead of smearing it all over, line your lower lid with it. You will get a pop of color without feeling like you went overboard. Balance everything out with a light lip and natural skin. I skipped lashes for this look, but if you’re feeling a little vixen, go for it. Lashes have a way of finishing the look, kind of like the frame around a masterpiece- it’s also the reason celebrities always look so put together on the red carpet.
PRODUCTS USED:
Urban Decay’s Naked Basics Palette
Urban Decay’s Naked Palette
MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack
Urban Decay “Junkie” 24-7 eyeliner
Makeup For Ever Star Powder in Gold
Makeup For Ever Aqua Brow in #3
Youngblood Cosmetics Pink Cashmere Creme Blush
MAC Springsheen Blush
MAC Soar lip liner
MAC Viva Glam Nicki and Creme de Nude lipsticks
CLICK TO WATCH
Raise your hand if you’ve ever had to put up with eczema, or any other unsightly skin rash that has left you feeling ugly.
It’s so frustrating. Every time it goes away, it comes back with a vengeance. Well, I’m here to tell you you’re not alone. Chronic skin conditions are common for people of all ages, and it’s nothing to be ashamed of. There isn’t anything you could have done to prevent it, but luckily, there are ways to treat it. There are a variety of chronic skin conditions like Psoriasis and Rosacea, but the most “popular” (and by popular I mean most suffered-from!) is Eczema.
I have had patches of Eczema set up shop on my body for the last 15 years. They usually show up around my elbows and on the back of my thighs (yuck), but about a year ago, it reared it’s ugly head on two fingers on my right hand. I took the photo above after not treating it for about a week, just to show you what it looks like (dedication, I know.)
What Is Eczema?
Eczema shows up as very dry, rough and thick red scales and scaly patches. It’s often associated with allergies and asthma, so if you got either of those, chances are you are susceptible to Eczema too. Many newborns are born with Eczema but will outgrow it by their tenth birthday, while it still affects 3% of children and adults.
What Causes Eczema?
Dermatologists I have spoken to say that eczema can be caused by factors such as stress, environment and even allergies. My eczema flared up in my teens when I lived in Las Vegas, a dry desert. And probably because I was taking all honors-level classes and was at school with student council duties from the crack of dawn to midnight. When I moved back to humid Los Angeles in my twenties, my skin cleared up for a while. Oh, the joy of soft, clear skin! But last year, between being laid off from my full time job and planning a wedding, my stress levels went through the roof. And being a long-time allergy- sufferer didn’t help.
Treatments
1) See Your Doctor: If you think you may have patches of Eczema, make an appointment with your dermatologist first to go over your options. There are many topical creams ranging from steroid to immunomodulators that your doctor can prescribe to fight the condition. Another reason to see your doctor first- you may think you have Eczema but it could be another type of skin condition, like Psoriasis. Your doctor may also prescribe an antibiotic treatment to fight off infection-causing bacteria caused at the scene of the crime (the scales).
2) Over The Counter Relief: Hydrocortisone 1% is often prescribed over the counter by dermatologists to treat your eczema during and in-between flare-ups. If my eczema shows any signs of returning, I immediately start a hydrocortisone treatment to shut that thing down. If your Eczema is like mine and on your fingers, apply your ointment then cover the affected area with a vinyl glove. Do NOT use latex-it eats away the medication and many people are allergic to the material. I wear disposable vinyl gloves I got from Rite Aid every night with my hydrocortisone 1% cream.
Latex-Free Vinyl Gloves
Neosporin also carries a special hydrocortisone version of their ointment specifically for Eczema that works well.
Neosporin Eczema Essentials Anti-Itch Hydrocortisone Cream
Last but not least, Aquaphor is every Eczema patients’ best friend. I blend the hydrocortisone cream with the Aquaphor then wear the vinyl glove. If your Eczema is somewhere other than your hands you can cover the affected area with plastic wrap or even a tissue to keep the ointments in place. Aquaphor does have a greasy texture, but you will wake up with the softest hands/skin ever! So worth it.
Aquaphor Healing Ointment- Mix in with your Hydrocortisone cream and cover the affected area with a glove or clothing.
Extra Tips
1) Moisturize Often- I’m talking 3-4 times a day on the affected area. Keeping the skin hydrated with fragrance-free and unscented lotions. Aveeno Eczema Therapy is my favorite- it’s steroid and fragrance-free and made with colloidal oatmeal- a skin protectant. I carry this around in my purse all day.
Aveeno Eczema Therapy Moisturizing Cream
2) Wash New Clothes Before Wearing Them- to get rid of chemicals that can irritate your skin. I use Tide Free and Gentle- it’s dermatologist- tested and free of any dyes and scents.
3) Keep the showers short and warm (not hot) Use a gentle body wash instead of harsh soap and avoid any abrasive scrubbers. Pat your skin dry with a towel, don’t rub. And apply moisturizer all over within three minutes to help lock in water. I’ve been switching between this one by Aveeno and Dove’s Sensitive Skin Body Wash.
Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash
I know this seems like a lot of products and information, but the good news is ALL of these items can be purchased with coupons from any drug store. And in my experience, the creams and antibiotics prescribed by dermatologists were all pretty affordable ($8-10 for a tube of ointment) but of course this also depends on your insurance coverage.
I hope that these tips help you find a way to live with and treat your Eczema. No one knows better than me how irritating it can be! If you have any Eczema-related questions, I’m always open to chat on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Let’s band together and be good to our skin!
Illamasqua is known for their out of the ordinary campaigns and this summer’s “Paranormal” launch is no different. Check out the beautiful visuals for this haunting collection!
Alex Box, head makeup artist for Illamasqua, created these enchanting makeup looks
“Why be normal, when you can be Paranormal?”
Paranormal Palette: $46.50
These four unique water-resistant eye shadows are combined in a cream-to-powder formula.
Illamasqua Gleam in Supernatural: $26
The Gleams are light weight iridescent creams that are perfect for highlighting cheekbones. Here’s Supernatural, a beautiful bronze. Peep Aurora, a bone-pearl shade, HERE.
Illamasqua Lipstick in ESP: $24
ESP is a vivid violet with a matte finish.
Illamasqua Lipstick in Posture: $24
Posture is a cool mauve with a matte finish.
My favorite part of this collection are these limited edition UV Nail Varnishes!
There are a total of three shades and one clear polish. Click HERE to check them all out!
Here’s Seance, a plummy pink shade that turns neon under blacklight. I NEED THIS!
Hi Beauties,
I told ya it’s my favorite time of year! All my favorite makeup brands are rolling out their summer lines, and I’m here to obsess over every single one of them with you.
Today’s attraction is French makeup giant, Makeup For Ever, found in Sephora stores nation-wide. This summer, they decided to expand on their award-winning Aqua line of waterproof products. As an oily piece of sweat in the summer heat, I can humbly say thank you to them.
THIS COLLECTION IS NOW AVAILABLE AT SEPHORA
Aqua Lip Liner: $19
Creamy, matte lip pencils in two new shades: #19C Pomegranate Pink and #20C Baby Pink
Aqua Eye Liners: $19
Creamy, matte eye pencils that use silicone to stick to your lids and provide opaque color, now in new shades #25L Matte Brown and #52L Pearly Green Lagoon (Limited Edition!) I NEED the green one for sure.
Aqua Rouge: $24
Long-wearing lip color that provides opaque, transfer-resistant and smudge-proof color with a clear gloss to layer over, now in five new shades: #19 Pomegranate Pink, #16 Fuchsia, #20 Baby Pink, #17 Bright Coral, and #18 Coral. 
Aqua Cream: $23
Crease-free, smudge-proof cream color that can be worn alone or under shadows, now in three new shades: #52 Pearly Green Lagoon, #53 Pearly Pastel Green and #54 Pearly Mauve
Beauty Lovers,
I don’t usually cover the Met Gala but this year’s “Punk” theme blew me away. It was so nice to see otherwise predictable celebrities step into avant-garde makeup and hair! Here are some of my favorites from the evening. Oh, and I’m keeping these photos ginormous because I really want you guys to see the art that took place for each look.
Emmy Rossum
She looks like an Egyptian goddess. This look really works for her because A) the smoky eyes were done in a matte brown shade and B) the lips were kept nude. Her makeup artist most likely used the scotch-tape method to achieve that sharp angled shadow line. Instead of following her naturally-rounded brow he/she extended it towards the temples in the same angle as the shadow. Bravissimo! The braided, twisted updo is dope too. I’d probably wear that to the grocery store. No, seriously.
Rooney Mara
Rooney played up her pale skin and inky black hair with strong brows and an aubergine lip. This lipstick trend isn’t going away anytime soon, folks. Every fall 2013 runway featured a dark purple/black lip like this, and surprisingly, it’s very wearable for all skin tones. The trick is to leave the eyes and cheeks bare, just like Rooney.
Kristen Stewart
KStew, even with her awkwardness, really brought it to the Met. This is probably the best I’ve ever seen her look. She pulls off androgyny well in this red lacy pantsuit, slicked back hair and burgundy smoky eyes. The red shade is a complimentary shade for her beautiful green peepers, bringing them front and center. Not-so-fun-fact: Most people have skin allergies to red pigment and can’t wear it, me being one of them. I hope her eyes weren’t swollen and itchy after this.
Dakota Fanning
I am the most excited about this look. Dakota pleasantly surprised me by taking a major makeup risk and It. Looks. Bomb. Her makeup artist highlighted the inner and bottom lids with a shimmering white pencil, then added disconnected angles in the inner corners with a liquid liner. He attached V-shaped liquid liner to the outer corners of her eyes. I just love the starkness of the angles against her clean skin. So little, and yet so much.
Ginnifer Goodwin
I don’t even care that she is wearing black eye shadow up to her eyebrows. This is freaking cool! What seems to be in homage to Cleopatra a’ la Liz Taylor, Ginnifer’s makeup artist created a “window” on each eye lid and kept all the color inside. Black and greenish-gold shadows were used to create this look. How perfect is this punk makeup look with her dress? I’m obsessed.
