LOOK FOR LESS

What it is: A contouring and highlighter kit that comes with a dual-ended blending tool. The contour stick has two deep shades, while the highlighter stick has a matte concealer and a shimmering highlighter. The blending tool has a soft, flat brush at one end and a firm makeup sponge at the other.

What it does: The kit is designed to create a subtle, buildable contour to be applied after foundation and concealer. Both the contour and highlighter sticks have slim bullets that make precision application easy for contouring the face and nose. The matte highlighter shade can also be used to prime your eyelids, conceal, and of course, highlight the high points of your face.

What we liked: My initial thoughts were of course about the packaging – I liked the solid, pale pink color, it’s pretty, chic and simple. Immediately it reminded me of Pat McGrath’ signature packaging, so I wish it could have been a bit more unique. I liked that for all four kits, there are two contour shades: an ashy contour for creating shadows under the cheeks and for nose contour, and a warmer bronzer shade, which works beautifully on the forehead or if you just feel like doing a more natural contour. When I first applied the contour stick it really made an impact – there’s a lot of pigment–  and because the crème formula is quite oily, it blends out SO well. The only thing I will say, is you need to be very light handed when you blend because I found it almost blended out too well and it didn’t make as much impact as I like my contour to make. I thought the brush worked really well to blend the contour, although that could also be down to how easy the product is to blend.

What we didn’t like: The texture of the contour sticks meant I had to reapply it as it blended out too much. I also found that although I set it really well, by the end of the day, my skin looked a bit blotchy and the product had shifted (this never happens when I set my makeup). So, I think the oiliness of the product just meant that it didn’t sit well on my skin. I liked the matte highlighter shade; I just wish it had a little more coverage as, by itself, it didn’t have the effect that my usual concealer (Tarte Shape Tape) does for highlighting under my eyes. The shimmering highlighter applied really smoothly, and I used my fingers to dab these onto my cheek bones, but I wasn’t crazy about the shimmer shade selection in the kits. I feel like they could have been a little more golden, especially for the darker contour sticks, as darker skin tones tend to have more olive undertones and gold has a much more complementary effect. The sponge was okay and although I liked using it, I wish it were bigger, as blending felt like a lot of work and I just feel my beautyblender can do the job much more efficiently.

Overall, I like the colors of the contour, and I’ll try using them again with a different blending method that cuts back on the need to use as much product. Hopefully, this will also mean that it doesn’t shift throughout the day. Regarding the price: it’s expensive, but then you’re getting a highlighter, concealer, two contour shades, and a blending tool. So, if this product works for you, then it’s a worthwhile investment.

Price: $48

Available: KKWBeauty.com (currently sold out)

By: Danielle Nicole -Style Is My Obsession

By: Danielle Nicole -Style Is My Obsession
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By: Danielle Nicole -Style Is My Obsession
Read More

By: Danielle Nicole -Style Is My Obsession
Read More

Okay, so anyone who has followed me over the years, attended my masterclass, and so much as asks me about skincare knows I am obsessed with the OroGold 24K Deep Peeling Mask! Yes, I have written about it years ago, but it’s quite shocking to me, that after all this time, it is still my absolute go to before applying makeup! Why? Well because it is hands down my favorite SUPERFICIAL scrub! What that means is that it doesn’t go deep, but does remove the surface layer of dead skin (that sometimes emulates peach fuzz), allowing for super close makeup-to-skin contact that quick frankly just looks better! 

I had discovered it in complete skepticism walking through the mall, passing a concession stand. The woman squirted a large size gold-ish “gunk” on my hands, as if I had actually wanted it there in the first place. Not gonna lie, it was one of the best things she could have done (for the both of us, since I purchased what was generously a life-time supply). Since then it has been my absolute staple in my makeup bag and my clients have loved it!

Who should use it: I’ve used this on all kinds of clients, from oily to dry and acne prone, as well as clients with skin disorders like Rosacea. I def always recommend consulting a doctor if you have any skin concerns. 

How to use it: Apply 2-3 squirts of the product to dry skin. Then lightly use circular motions until scrub starts to take effect. You will first feel a slightly gel like texture that will become watery, then the peeling begins. 

What I don’t like: Since it does seem to have skin softening properties, it’s really easy to get your dead skin stuck onto any hairs on your skin. I do recommend using a razor to shave away any peach fuzz for anyone daring enough (I do this all the time) to help avoid this issue. If you have longer facial hair and want to skip shaving you may find yourself picking & pulling pieces of dead skin out of your facial hair.

Availability: orogoldcosmetics.com

Source: http://hudabeauty.com/2016/11/23/underrated-beautyis-this-your-answer-to-better-makeup-application/

What it is: This pack comes with eight treatment doses (meant to be used twice a week), to restore and heal hair in a matter of minutes:

What it does: Uses ingredients like artichoke leaf extract and jojoba to nourish and repair strands. Just apply to hair, comb through with your fingers, wait 5 to 10 minutes, and then rinse out. 

What we liked: Our ends were seriously parched from over-styling and color. This mask is bringing it back to life. After one use, we noticed much softer, bouncier ends without feeling the least bit weighed down. We also like to apply to our ends before a long gym session so we’re ready to go once we hit the shower. The light floral scent that makes the treatment feel extra luxurious. 

What we didn’t like: The amount felt right for shorter hair, but we can imagine it takes more than one if you have super long and thick hair. Let us know if you tried it in the comments and what you thought too!

Price: $32 for 8 packets

Availability: theouai.com

Source: http://hudabeauty.com/category/product-review/

What it is: A palette co-created with celebrity makeup artist Hrush Achemyan containing three shimmery shades (including a limited-edition white gold one), three matte shadows, and one peachy-pink blush. 

What we liked: We loved the pigmented colors that you can use matte for a sophisticated day time look, or blend with the lusters to amp it up as a liner or shadows for an evening look. The colors are a universally-flattering combo for all-over, crease, and highlight shades. We love to use the peachy “Pinch” for everyday, the brown “Kitty” for our crease, and the decadent “Royal” purple as a hint of liner. The shimmery “Bliss” and “Smitten” add a nice pop of bling that’s so very Hrush. Not to mention, a peachy-pink blusher that gives us the prettiest flush to our cheeks. It has personality, with still very wearable colors. The size is perfect to throw in your purse — the sleek faux-crocodile leather embossed cover even makes it look like a mini-wallet.

What we didn’t like: What’s not to like? 

Price: $30

Availability: ulta.com (Get it while you can!)