Travel Tips For Product Junkies is a 3-part series helping all the product junkies out there to better prepare for type away from the collection.

First up was skincare. This second installment is all about makeup. Bringing too much makeup weighs you down and you run the risk of having it damaged during travel. I always carry on my makeup when I fly. If you can't do that then be sure to get a padded travel case and pack it in the middle of your suitecase. Protect it with clothes. They're natural shock barriers. I usually don't have a problem getting my makeup, including foundation, through security but to be safe, don't take a bunch of full size foundations. God forbid they do give you trouble and make you throw it out. Avoid the heartbreak and follow my tips below.

Keep reading to see my picks for paring it all down.

Try to settle on a few makeup looks you can do quickly and easily. Bring only your most used colors and be sure to take into account your clothing. If you're packing sweats and Ugg boots, you probably don't want to do a full on smokey eye so keep it simple. If you plan on dressing up everyday then by all means, go for the drama! But since you can't bring all your shadows with you, the best bet is bring a palette of your most used colors. Many brands make palettes with coordinating colors. However, I'm a custom palette kind of gal.
Lesleykat's Pick: Z Palette, holds shadows and blushes of all shapes and sizes with a stong magnet closure to ensure nothing falls out. Available at zpalette.com (and some professional makeup stores) $20 for large $14 for small

As a product junkie, leaving my assortment of foundations at home is like leaving behind my children. (Until I actually have children, my makeups are my babies.) By choosing the most effective and easy to use foundation, you do yourself a favor. Pick one that's easy to apply and doesn't use too many peripherals like primers, brushes, etc... One that can apply with your fingers or one single brush is best.
Lesleykat's Pick: MAC Studio Sculpt Foundation, this gel-based, buildable, medium-coverage foundation can be applied with fingers and has a built in SPF. Remember what I said about bringing SPF? Can also be sheered out with water/fix+/moisturizer. Does NOT need a primer to stay put. A little powder in your oily areas keeps this stuff on all day. Available in a wide range of shades at MAC counters and Stores $29.50

A good concealer palette can help you forgo foundation completely (or just make your skin look even better). A green-yellow based concealer will help conceal acne spots while a pink-peach concealer banishes under-eye circles in a flash. A concealer with your matching skintone can help reduce uneven tone or redness around the nose and chin.
Lesleykat's Pick(s): Kryloan Dermacolor Concealer Palette, this product is not easy to find so another great palette I suggest is the Makeup Forever 5 Camouflage Cream palette. Available at Sephora $36

Oh and you kids with the airbrush machines, LEAVE THEM HOME! Bringing them is just silly. If you do you'll have room to pack another pair of shoes!

What are some of your best travel beauty tips?

I LOVE a twitter makeup challenge. So when I saw that a few cool girls I know were starting one up I jumped on board. Here's the deal: Post a photo every day of either your makeup look or the actual makeup you used that day. Get it? Face or product shots, or both, with a little detail about what you used. Tweet your photo with the hashtag #2011MUC.

Tonight I have a little party I am attending so I am wearing this awesome blue and gold dress and I chose makeup colors that would be homogeneous but not matchy-matchy exactly. I used touches of gold and blue tones but not exact color matches. The pictures aren't my best since I'm not using my regular camera, but they'll have to do for now. For some reason my look today is a little MAC heavy and some of the products are discontinued but most are permanent.

Products used:

MAC Studio Sculpt foundation, NC20 (usually I am a NW20, but for some reason with the sculpt foundation the NC suited me better than the NW.)
Kryolan Dermacolor Concealer
Makeup Forever HD setting powder
Kevyn Aucoin Pure Powder Glow cheek color, Dolline
MAC Blush, Harmony
MAC Mineralized Sheersheen Loose Pigment, Silver Aura (discontinued)

Two Faced Shadow Insurance
MAC Pigments, Vanilla and Golden Olive (both PERM)
MAC Eyeshadow, Soft Brown, Brun and Blanc Type (seriously, my most used colors and thankfully all are PERM)
Makeup Forever Aqua Liner, #6 (Deep navy with shimmer)
Lancome Definicils Precious Cells Mascara, Black

Kryolan Lipstick, LC006 (Creamy pinky-peach nude)

Won't you join me in the #2011MUC?!

Since I don't believe in day/night specific I obviously wore this all day. This is probably a little MUCH for your average girl; not to mention if you have a corporate job this look will not fly! haha! Luckly I work in a creative environment that gets a kick out of all my product testing.

I've been testing some of the makeup I got in London and I was freaking out over the Barry M dazzle dusts, specificly Burgundy Noir. I planned a whole look around it. I created a super smokey eye and topped it with the shimmery dazzle dust. Instructions on eyes and full list of products used after the jump.

Keep Reading...

Halloween is the time of year to go ladyballs-to-the-wall with makeup. Bust out your glitter, ridiculous false eyelashes and clown paint because dear kittens, IT'S ON!  I'm gonna break down a 2 Halloween essentials for you, the white base and glitter!

WHITE FACE BASE:
So many costumes require a white face including, but not limited to: Ghost, anything dead, The black swan, Día de los Muertos, etc...

MAC Chromacake (PRO)
When activated with water, this stuff is best brushed on with a synthetic foundation brush. It has good staying powder and dries down flat. Powder products layered on top pop against the white background. (see my far left costume at the top)

Availability: MAC Pro $24

(far right photo via makeupforever.com)

Make Up For Ever Flash Color
This cream product is also a great option for to achieve a white background. Use a synthetic brush to apply. This product is easy blend. Make sure you set it with powder. A translucent powder works well but to get a SUPER white look set with a white eyeshadow. You can play with texture by trying different finishes. Use a matte white eyeshadow for a flat look or try a shimmery white eyeshadow for adding highlights and depth.

Availability: Flash Color Box $95 Sephora
Single-color stick $23  and Single-color pot $18 Makeup Forever Boutiques.
Check the website to find out if there is a store in your area. (Now before you go all crazy balloons over the prices, know this: These products can be used for eyeshadow bases year round. Although the stick seems a little much for that.)

GLITTER
Not all glitter is eye safe so please be sure to check the packaging before you throw a bunch of glitter near your eyes. The last thing you need to do is scratch your eye while you're trying to have a fun night. Am I right?

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Glitter
What I love about the OCC glitters is that they are opaque and come in a great variety of colors including black. For a full glittered eyelid, apply a thin layer of eyelash glue and quickly pat on glitter before it dries. You have about 45 seconds before the glue starts drying. Be sure to be careful with the glue application. Use a synthetic brush brush for a precise application, just be sure to wash the brush immediately or it will be ruined. (trust me on this one kids) The OCC glitters look AMAZING on the lips. Apply over lipstick that has a bit of sheen, that way it sticks. But don't plan on making out with anyone because it will end up all over the place!

Availability: OCCmakeup.com and the new boutique located on the Lower East Side of NYC (more to come on that...)

MAC Reflects
Just about every glitter mac makes is amazing. There are three different types. Opaque reflects glitters are colors and when applied densely will not show anything through. Transparent reflects are meant to be applied over other products/finished makeup look and add shine and sparkle. 3D Glitter is larger particles that have multi-colored holographic reflections. My favorites include Reflects Gold and Reflects Transparent Teal. Pat Reflects Gold to the middle of lips on top of lipstick for extra drama. Dab on tops of cheekbones for an ethereal look. For drama on the eyes, after eye makeup application, carefully pat glitter on middle of top lids for some extra shine or all over for a dose of super glam.

Availability: Mac stores for some and MAC Pro for a full selection of glitter $20

If you're not into doing your own makeup but still want in on the fun, Ricky's Revolver Salon has a menu of Zombie and Vampire makeup services that they'll apply for you. Catch is you need to book ahead of time so if you want it, call NOW!

What are YOU planning to be for Halloween?

Sadly my day job kept me away from fashion week this September. However thanks to the blogosphere, my PR contacts and all the streaming channels I was able to keep up from the comfort of my dual-monitored desk. (Multi-tasking FTW!) I noticed a few beauty trends that you don't have to wait until spring summer to rock. I also noticed one TERRIBLE trend that I urge you NEVER to try. (black sheep after the jump)

BEAUTY LOOK TO TRY 1: Nude eye with gold liner
Spotted: Jen Kao

I already wrote about the amazing manicures at Jen Kao, but equally gorge is the nude eye with gold liner. To achieve this look, start with a nude eye. Use a skin-tone long-wearing cream shadow with minimal shimmer. Set with nude powder. Then add the gold liner by either using a liner pencil such as Revlon HIP Gold Charge, or using a slightly damp liner brush, foil a gold eyeshadow or pigment and apply as if it was a liner. MAC Gold Pigment works well. Top with a coat of black mascara.

Photo courtousy of CND

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BEAUTY LOOK TO TRY 2: Neon Coral nails & flushed cheeks 
Spotted at: Wes Gordon

Coral is still going strong and thank the beauty gods because I LOVE IT! It's universally flattering and easily spans seasons. To achieve this look use a cream blush or cheek stain, like Stila Convertible color in Petunia 07. The nail color is beauty industry favorite CND, Poppyfield.

Photo coutosy of CND

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BEAUTY LOOK TO TRY 3:  Freckles 
Spotted at: Jeremy Scott
Ok so this one might be a little costume-y for most of you out there. However, as a freckled lady I love it! I think the big lesson here is not to cover or hide freckles and beauty marks that you may have. Own it!

To rock the mock-freckles, use a medium brown eye or lip liner pencil randomly place dots on your cheeks and nose where the sun would naturally hit your face. Think the same areas that you apply bronzer. Then dust with a little powder to diffuse and make them blends as if they were your own. Don't use an HD powder or a heavy-coverage mineral powder but something in the middle like a tinted powder or common translucent powder.

Photo via Racked by Anna Fischer for Racked.com

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BEAUTY LOOK TO TRY 4: Big Brows
Spotted at: Altuzarra

Thick, lush, brows Brooke Shields would be proud of made a huge comeback a few years ago and they're staying strong at least through next season. Put down those tweezers and go for a thicker, more youthful brow right now! If you're like me and suffer from weak-ass brow syndrome go ahead and load those babies out with some brow powder. I like NYX Hollywood Brows Brow Cake. Unlike the picture below, I suggest you go for a natural color that is a shade and is close or one shade lighter than your natural hair color. BLONDES LISTEN UP, your natural color was made for your skin tone, so embrace it on your face!

Photo cortousy of CND

Want to know the NEVER TRY beauty look?

Keep Reading...

This Look Lightbox Face Of The Day is from last week. I took the basic smokey eye and added a pop of color to change it up a bit. I also went a little nuts on my hair and did a fun do inspired by Alice+Olivia Spring 2011 done by Ric Pipino. Check the look HERE.

A backstage photo I snapped last sept for the hair inspiration:

Products used:

Dr. Jart+ Beauty Balm
Kryolan Dermacolor Concealer
Laura Mercier Undercover Pot Secret Concealer #2
YSL Palette Y Blush
Make Up For Ever HD powder

Urban Decay Primer Potion
MAC Blanc Type, Patina (my new favorite eyeshadow!)
INGLOT AMC 58 (grass green with gold shimmer), AMC 64 (black with mulitcolor shimmer) 
MAC Feline Eye Kohl (LE)
Bare Escentuals Volumizing Mascara
NYX Brow Cake, Blonde

I lost my list so I don't remember exactly what I am wearing on my lip. FAIL.

Multiasking products in the summer are essential. We're all so busy doing all of our usual summer things who has time to do full-on makeup?

Three Custom Color Lip & Cheek Color, Poppy
This gorgeous little red orange pot serves double duty as a lip and cheek cream. When used on the lips it creates a nice little stain. When applied on the cheeks, blending out with you fingers, it adds a great natural flush. Plus this color is so on trend right now! It's sheer, but buildable and looks fantastic with a tan. Available at Three Custom Color for $22.50

MAC Fix+
This isn't your usual multitasking product. Keep it at your desk for a refreshing mid-day pick me up. On the hottest days, keep it in the fridge for even more refreshing boost. In a pinch you can spritz it in your hair for a little re-stying. Dampen your makeup brush with a little squirt to foil (apply wet, for a metallic look) your eyeshadows. Spritz your face before applying your moisturizer to seal in some extra moisture. Use it to sheer out foundation by spritzing a little on your foundation brush. Shall I keep going? Because I can. Spritz a few sprays on your face after you're finished with your makeup application to reduce any powdery look. Last but not least, it can even be used as light moisturizer for hot night when you don't want to overload your skin with any heavy products. Available at all MAC's Online shop as well as all stores and counters $10.

Dr. Jart+ Waterfuse Beauty Balm
The ultimate multitasker for skin, this stuff is truly amazing. Rarely does a product show up twice on this site (besides nail colors) but this stuff is so amazing it had to be on the multitasking picks. Full review here. PS. I'm KIND OF obsessed. Available at Sephora for $32.

What are your favorite beauty multitaskers?

I don't know what it is about hot weather but it makes me want to stick to more earthy colors in my makeup. I am excited to do a FOTD post since my skin is finally back to normal  after a few weeks of rediculousness. So enjoy, kittens...

For list of products used

Keep Reading

This week's summer beauty picks installment is all about coral! This awesome comes in so many forms from peach and orange tones but for this post I am focusing on the pink-toned corals. This varietly is one of my favorites since it's super girly and looks great on everyone.

MAC Creamsheen Glass in Richer, Lusher This sheer gloss add a subtle pop of color while leaving your lips super moisturized. Richer, lushers is a peach coral with no shimmer or glitter. All shine! This is by far my favorite of all the MAC lip products.

Bobbi Brown Shimmer Blush, Pink Coral Adding a bit of blush on top of bronzer adds dimension to cheeks. This unversally-flattering color adds color and shimmer to give a great glow. Bobbi Brown blushes are packed with pigments and a little goes a long way. Buff it out with a big fluffy brush for even application.

CND Poppyfield Poppyfield is the PERFECT sizzling hot coral. It looks fantastic on both toes and fingernails and is a universally flattering color so it looks amazing on all skintones. This particular polish formula only needs one coat to look opaque so it's great on the go. A few strokes and you're good to go!

As a girl who likes to have fun in the sun (always wear your SPF!) I often need products that stand up to heat, sweat, and water. In this second installment of my summer beauty picks I rave over some of my favorite waterproof beauty products.

Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream, Shade #5 Peach
This unique, waterproof product acts as a cream blush or a base for powder blush as well as a subtle lip tint. A rich pink-peach with gold shimmer flatters most skintones. It adheres to the skin and doesn't budge until removed with makeup remover or facial cleaner.
Available at Sephora or Makeup Forever Boutiques $22

Cover Girl Lash Blast Fusion Waterproof, Very Black
A product truly deserving of holy-grail status; not only does it lengthen and thicken without any flaking it also doesn’t budge or bleed. Also will not irritate contact lens wearers. Pool approved!
Available at drug stores for $7.99 (At target for $7.19)

MAC Superslick Liquid Eye liner, Smoky Heir
Take a break from black eyeliner this season and choose a great colored liner to add some pop to your eyes. Smokey Heir is a deep, rich plum-purple with multi-dimensional shine. The formula sets in 15 seconds and stays put through sun, water and heat. It does take a little effort to remove, so be sure to use a makeup removed when trying to remove it.
Available at all MAC counters and stores for $17.50 (permanant)