Marissa's Pick of the Week - Glitter!!!

1. I like glitter.
2. I like inexpensive, quality makeup
3. I LOVE NYX Glitter Cream Palette!

The website says it's 6.00 USD, but I purchased my pallet in "Sureal" for only 4.00 at a beauty supply shop (probably because "palette" was spelled wrong). I like using this formula with powders because it intensifies the pigments while adding a glittery effect. After experimenting with this cream shadow, I learned a couple things. It does not play well with other cream formulas, and it's a must that you pat it on, not stroke or rub. I like using a foam tip eyeshadow applicator or a concealer brush. It can be a little frustrating to get the hang of it at first, but once you figure out how to apply it, you will love it.

Here are the shades on my bare skin:

With a black base:

With a white base:

You can see how the glitter is subtle so that it's fun and pretty, not strippery.

Marissa's Pick of the Week- Dry Shampoo?

I am in love with Dirty Secret Dry Shampoo by Rockaholic! Created by TIGI (Bed Head, Catwalk), this product is perfect for people who don't shampoo everyday. Sometimes I'll go 2 to 3 days without washing my hair for 2 reasons: hair color preservation and I like my texture better when it's dirty. The cons to not washing is the yucky greasy look closer to my scalp. Not only does Dirty Secret Dry Shampoo mattify by absorbing excess oil, it also adds volume. I just spray, tousle with my fingers, then walk out the door. You can find Rockaholic Dirty Secret Dry Shampoo at a salon for about $18.95.

Makeup Mondays: The Matte Movement

Remember when the cool, special makeup colors had shimmer, and matte color was the normal boring stuff? Nowadays it's the opposite. Of course shimmer and glitter and sparkle are everywhere! The girls love it! Supply and demand, right? I'd like to present a challenge to all you millennium kids: leave the shimmer behind. Don't get me wrong, I love shimmer too, but there comes a time for change. I personally think matte makeup is more sophisticated and does a better job at defining facial features. Maybe it's my inner goth, but deep merlot lips and black shadowed eyes exude seductive, mysterious and inviting. My softer side thinks matte neutrals are perfect for achieving a romantic, vintage look. The best brands I've seen for matte makeup are Make Up For Ever and M.A.C. Matte will probably be a new trend this fall, so keep a look out for limited edition matte makeup from your favorite brands.

My faves!

Eye shadows:

Carbon (MAC, $14.50) - the blackest black. I also use this as an eyeliner.

Orange (MAC $14.50) - the perfect orange.

Fuchsia (Make Up For Ever, $19)

Teddy Bear Colour Surge Eyeshadow Quad (Clinique, $25) - I wear this quad on simple days to brighten my eyes. It enhances a very naturally.

Lipsticks:

Plum (Make Up Forever, $19) - a deep burgundy

Rust (Make Up For Ever, $19) - warm nude

Pink Chocolate (Clinique, $14) - neutral warm pink

Diva (M.A.C., $14) - reddish burgundy; this is my favorite plum ever!

Viva La Glam I (M.A.C., $14) - intense cool red; %100 of the profit goes to M.A.C.'s AIDS find

Viva La Glam III (M.A.C., $14) - warm plum; %100 of the profit goes to M.A.C.'s AIDS fund

Sephora Flame (NARS, $24) - the perfect red for warm skin tones

Blush:

Peach Apricot (Make Up For Ever, $19) - a light coral for a natural look

Pumpkin (Make Up For Ever, $19) -orange for bright and kind of crazy

Dusty Pink (Make Up For Ever, $19) - warm dusty pink for a natural look

Fever (M.A.C., $18.50) - Intense reddish burgundy for a vampy look

Melba (M.A.C., 18.50) - soft coral

Foundation:

Teint Idol Ultra (Lancome, $40) - oil free, buildable coverage, and wears for 14 hours

Perfectly Real Makeup (Clinique, $23) - long wearing, light weight, natural finish

Studio Tech (M.A.C., 29.50) - compact makeup that diffuses light and had a powder finish

Mat Velvet + Matifying Foundation (Make Up For Ever, $34) - oil free, controls shine, water-resistant

Dream Matte Mousse Makeup (Maybelline, $8-$10 available at drugstores) -super matte finish, light weight, buildable coverage