MAC Brow Pencil in Brunette, Swatches

I love MAC brow pencils, especially for the color range and the small pencil tip for hair like strokes.   While there are many product options, high and low, to create a great brow, I've always repurchased MAC brow pencils  (Maybelline Define-a-Brow is a great alternative).

I use quite a few products in my brows (bleach, two shadows, a pencil or cream and brow set) to get them to my satisfaction.  

My pencil of choice is Lingering brow pencil.  MAC describes it as a "soft taupe brown."  Brunette, a "gray brown" pencil, was introduced to us  a few weeks ago with the Corine Roitfeld collection.  I picked up Brunette recently as I'm a product junkie always open to new options. 

Take a look below to see swatches of Brunette and how it compares to Lingering brow pencil.

Can you see a difference in the two?? Lingering (left); Brunette (right) 

Brunette has the slightest bit of warmth to it, but not much of a difference.

Lingering (left); Brunette (right)

The color caps on the pencils will lead you to believe that Brunette is a lot warmer. 

On my skin tone, there isn't much difference.  

Have you purchased this brow pencil??  Do you see a difference between Brunette and Lingering? 

EDIT: The caps of the pencils are more accurate as to what color you will get in your brow (Now that I've been using Brunette to replace Lingering.)  Brunette is darker, but not as dark as Spike or Stud.  It's the baby of Lingering and Spike brow pencil.

Eyebrow Makeover!

I was asked by a friend about brows. She has naturally thick brows, but after years of getting them done she has been reduced to very slim brows. I gave her a brow makeover. Unfortunately, I think when people see the routine I do to achieve a brow my style, it seems daunting. I can understand, but I guess that's the difference between brows and great looking brows! It just takes a bit of practice.
Brow on the left is the before and the right brow is after.
Both brows done! No tweezing or anything, just worked with what she had. Achieving the highest level of symmetry is always the goal, but that doesn't always happen. Remember the brows are sisters, not twins! ;)

I used pretty much the same method and products I used in my Brow Video Tutorial.

*My friend didn't like these photos, but they showed her brows the best. Sorry friend! =s

New Video: Updated Brow Tutorial!

Hi loves!
I filmed an (updated) brow tutorial by request! My original post was here. See how much has changed! ;)



List of products used:
(Tools)
MAC #266 angled brush
Anastasia spoolie and angled brush duo

(Products)
MAC Cork eye shadow
MAC Lingering and Strut brow pencils
MAC Boy Girl brow set
MAC NW25 Studio Finish concealer

Use colors and concealers/foundations that are compatible with your skin tone. Use tools that you are comfortable with though I highly recommend MAC's #266 for brow work!

Nikkia's DIY Brow Set Tutorial Post

Look Ma! I stenciled my brows!

Ha! Just kidding!

I used this Anastasia Beverly Hills All About Brows Kit!

This set contains:
-Brow Gel
- Tweezers
-Eye Lights highlighting pencil
-Duo Angle Brush/Spooley
-Four Brow Stencils
-Brow Powder Duo
(All housed in a cute case with pockets and holders!)

I used everything in the set minus the brow gel for the pics above.

Tweezers-The tweezers are excellent. Not too sharp that I'm poking, scraping or pinching myself, but grabs every hair!

The highlighting pencil- adds a nice pinkish nude tint for my brow highlight, as well as helping to further sculpt my brow.

The duo angle spooley- is God send. I always forget a spooley or brow brush and having this on the other end of the angle brush... lifesaver! The angled brush is no MAC #266 (my HG brow brush) but it work and works well spreading the brow powder and filling the stencil... and it has the lovely spooley on the other end of course! The small and compact size makes this a winner.

Brow stencils-Out of the four brow stencils provided, I used the petite arch. By description, it's not ideal for my brow, but blindly matching the stencils to my brows, that one fit. I tweaked the shape after (not by much, softening the front and adding a bit, defined the tail). I wasn't expecting the stencil to do all of the work, but it certainly cut down on a lot of guess work. I was super pleased with my results. The stencils also have guides on them to help you place the stencil properly.

Brow Powder Duo- The Ebony dark neutral brow powder was quite dark for my taste, so I added some of my Kid eyeshadow to my brows.

Overall- This is a 5 star kit! If I was to add anything, which I will, it would be a small pair of hair scissors to keep my brows trimmed and not hanging over too far as they grow. Also, I reached for my #242 brush to help me blend out the creamy highlighting pencil. Would a duo sided angle/concealer brush be a great addition?? This kit comes in 4 shades to suit different hair tones. The All About Brow Kit retails for $75. It's a splurge item, but if you HAVE to do your brows every day like me, it's a great deal for a convenient way to carry your brow essentials. Need something a bit more recessionista friendly? Try the Brow Express Kit.

Yummy411: BCA Tweezerman Precision in Pink

Tweezerman introduces the new 2008 limited edition version of their best-selling, perfectly precise Slant® Tweezer - Precision in Pink. Blanketed with a white background and adorned with the iconic BCA pink ribbon logo, this clever tool keeps your brows tame while helping support the fight against Breast Cancer. Tweezerman has committed to raising $75,000 through their BCA program, and $1.00 from the sale of each limited edition Precision in Pink tweezers will go to Cancer Cares as well as other various charities throughout the country to help in the fight.
Price: $20.00; www.tweezerman.com

Yummy411: Boy/Girl Brow Set

I went to the Arundel Mills with the kids this weekend, just for sport. They wanted to go to Outdoor World (I guess it's the closest thing we'll get to doing an outdoor trip right now )= ) and visit a few stores. Naturally, I didn't mind because the CCO was right next door. While there, I found MAC's Girl Boy brow set. (One of their popular colors in their 5 color range.) I had always wanted to try it, but I 'try' nothing at full price. Regular retail: $13.50; CCO price: $8.99. Now I could.

It has a mascara wand for application to the brows.

Brows filled in with Girl Boy brow set.

My doctored up version, but I didn't have to fill them in with Cork e/s as I normally do. (Why do I look as if I'm about to burst into tears??) Also, I had been lusting after Nars' LoveJoy blush. I've had it for going on 9 months, yet I've never worn it. Here it is for the record.

Overall, I like the brow set! It's a quicker way to get the lightened brows. Two bonus points: 1-because it's a gel/cream it holds my hairs in place and 2-I can get the tinted brow look on others without actually tinting their brows! A cool temporary fix. I saw from Tawanna's reporting on the BCI Celebrity Makeup Symposium that this is a trick used in bridal makeup as well! Slight downfall, it's not as precise as my brush and powder. To achieve perfection, I would want my brows freshly done.

*Muthasfynest, wanna try?

If you don't want to try the brow set at full price either and can't find it at your CCO (or don't have a pro card) there is a way to DIY it.... maybe Slvrlips can do that post HINT HINT NIKKIA!!!!!!

Yummy411: Contests and How I do my eyebrows

Hey lovelies!

I hope you all are enjoying your Memorial Day weekend. Um, where is my invite to the cookout? It's okay, I'm going to crash the cookout next year though.

LOL

Anyhoozer, I wanted to let you all know about two fab contests going on out in the blogosphere, but very much part of our blogger fam.

*Head over to Fab Vixen's to help her name a series she's starting on her blog. The prize? A $30 Target gift card. Mama loves some Tarjay!

*Next stop by The Beauty of Life to enter into Beauty Chick's Spring contest giving away all kinds of goodies worth $824!!! Do I need to say anymore?!

**********************************************

I got a reader question asking how do I 'sculpt and shape' my brows with concealer. Or simply, how do I do my brows (I think Lurve asked before.)

Here goes!

I used to do my brows this way. I essentially do the same thing, but I've changed a few things thanks to Tanna J. I still bleach my brows (haven't done it lately).

Here's a before..

Next, I fill in my brows with a 266 brush and Cork eyeshadow. That is done in this pic.

Now here's where things change. Instead of applying concealer with my finger, I use this trusty 208 to apply my concealer.

I use this concealer palette from MAC in medium. They don't sell these in the store anymore, only at the CCO. Any concealer can be used though.

I take my #208 brush and the concealer and pretty much sculpt and shape an eyebrow (use the concealer to draw my desired shape of my brows, almost like doing the white pencil method to tweeze brows.) Often times you do not have to line the top of the brow. This is known as "The MAC brow" in this region (DC area).

I take my #242 brush, spritz it with some Fix+

I then clean up the concealer with the damp #242. This leaves the brow cleaned up and the slight appearance of concealer brightens the brow. Also, some people like Slvrlips don't erase the bottom line with a damp brush like I do. She simply takes the #208 or whichever brush and pulls down the concealer for a 'natural' highlight on the browbone. Basically, tailor the method to fit your desired look (Please excuse Mt. Everest that's taking over in the pic.) A very tedious technique, but worth it for the results.


Finished!
And with makeup!.. oh and my new lover Moon Glow mineral eyeshadow by Pure Luxe as my brow highlight. (I used to only use concealer also, but Moon Glow is subtle enough to fit my taste!)

Yummy411: Drugstore Beauty- New Milani

Look what I found. Vanessa alerted us to when Milani debuted the new single pot blushes again (repackaged), but randomly I came across some more stuff in my local CVS. I can appreciate this one location for having new stuff, but it's never the complete collection! I'm the beauty aisle paparazzi! Sorry for the nasty cam pics, but I can't really show up in the drugstore taking real pics!

New Runway Eye Shadow ($5.99 I believe). Great colors, but it reminded me of MAC lustre eye shadows looking at it through the packaging, which I hate. I might buy one, just to test for myself. Besides, having luck with the Fafi lustre shadows, I'm hopeful!

The newest mascaras, each having different functions. You all might have seen these popping up already. Interesting packaging. Catches your eye. I'm stuck to my Loreal Voluminous though.

A new brow Kit 'Brow Fix'. Two shading colors and a highlighter. I think it has an angle brush, tweezers and a sponge tip applicator.

Ooooh check these out. These have me intrigued. Glow Natural Liquid makeup cased in a tube with it's own brush applicator! ($8.49)

I just wanted to show you all this photo I caught with Belightful IPP showing off in all of its glory from yesterday's fotd. Please don' t go this heavy when using it, but you see what it can do.

Have you seen or tried any of these Milani products? Recommendations?? Let me (us) know!!

Yummy411: The Art of Drag Makeup

Hey all!


Part of my makeup obsession stems from the intrigue of the transformation properties of a great makeup job. One of the wearable forms is drag makeup. I am in awe of guys that go from Bob to Brenda. How can makeup make a man such as RuPaul look like a better woman than me! Even though I'm not interested in wearing my makeup as heavy or exaggerated, there is quite a lot to take from these artists: contouring tips, eye shadow placement, blending and more! Perfecting the art of transformation is one heck of a talent! Take a look at some videos that I've gathered in one place for your viewing pleasure!

Now stay tuned over at Slvrlips Beauty and Music Haven for more insightful articles on all of the mystery behind drag makeup!


From Trippy1806




From DrawLove




The infamous Jessica Dimon. Did you see the pink hair shot (towards the end?)

You didn't?

Omg fab!

How about those eyebrows? What did she do with her natural brows???? Grae Phillips shows us!





One more...



From Angelcalg


For some crass humor, here ya go!

Yummy411: Professional Brow and Halloween

Hello all! Just wanted to share my brows done (filled in and made pretty) by my makeup instructor. She used Ben Nye brow pencil in medium brown and MAC lip pencil in Cork. I personally would be afraid to use a lip pencil, but with a gentle hand she worked it out. What do you all think? (Never mind those lashes. I applied them with a strong, but terribly visible glue.)Made up brows don't look as pretty on me without a made up face =( I was terribly tired.
Saturday before Halloween, I attended a bomb ass Halloween party if I may say so myself. I went as a dark fairy. I had on black wings (with green glitter), gloves, dress and boots with this wig. I did green eye makeup. Sorry this is a terrible pic, but I was rushing out of the door. There was no time to fix settings for a good pic.


Here was the star of my Halloween night! Buzz Light Year.. "To infinity and beyond!"


I hope everyone enjoyed this fructose, sugar saturated, orange and black week. Have a great weekend. I'll share my review of Gloves in a Bottle with you all next week! Toodles =)

Guest FOTD: Slvrlips!

Today, I want to introduce you all to my good friend Slvrlips (bka Nikkia), a fellow beauty junky and makeup artist in the DC area!

She's working those lashes, her MAC paint pots (I'm not that crazy about them, but after seeing her put them to work, they might be a winner!) AND her fabulously threaded brows. Aren't her brows fire??? I love asking her questions and picking her brain about all things beauty (okay maybe that's everyone, lol) but she has a lot to share. When are we gonna see your beauty blog Slvrlips??







Here's what she used- (All MAC)
Face:
Satin Finish Foundation NC50
Invisible set Powder
Select Finish concealer nc45/50
Format Blush

Eyes:
Concealer nw35 as highlight for brows
Moss Scape paint pot on lid
Golden Olive pigment over Mos Scape
Texture e/s in crease
Humid on outer v
Blacktrack fluid liner to line

Lips:
Custom made pink

Thank Slvrlips for sharing with us!

Musiq Concert FOTD

For my bday in June, I got Musiq Soulchild concert tickets. I've been counting down the days. Finally, that day came yesterday. My sister Jess and I went. We had a great time hanging out after work and going to the show. Thanks to my sister Toni P for making sure we had a great time. You're the best!

(my cam is seriously crazy. I'll set the date and it still doesn't want to act right, lol)

"Teach Me How to Love"



"Love"


"B-U-D-D-Y"


"1-4-3"

Yummy411 tips on seeing Musiq in concert:

1. When going to see Musiq, take your S.O.S or be sure to have one to go home to.
2. See him at a small concert hall, lounge or club or just don't have high expectations.

makeup used:

• face- mac face primer, msf natural medium dark powder
• cheeks-sincere blush, clinique shimmering tones powder, a touch of other worldly blush
• eyes-select coverup to prep eyes, covergirl queen collection creme foundation to conceal under eyes, saddle (lid), i had saturnal in the crease, but decided entremauve looked better and covered it up... entremauve pigment (crease, outer v, and to line bottom lid), milani silver bullet e/s (inner and outer corners), mystery eye khol to line (my fav right now), styli style bronze liner (water rim), loreal voluminous carbon black mascara, clinique shimmering tones as highlight, and cork e/s in brows
• lips- at the beginning of the nite i wore soothing beige lip conditioner and lancome's truffle lipstick with a little crescent gloss, but by the time these pics were taken i touched up with taupe notch l/g

*I've been using my purple entremauve because I don't get to wear it often and I decided to start putting it to work! lol

Yummy glam!

Basic Eye Design Chart

This is a wonderful chart for anyone needing assistance on how to place shadows. This chart was provided by a wonderful Specktralite, Makeup_wh0re (Mandy Lou)! Be sure to click on the pic to enlarge!

Peeps, I'm trying to put in some work... this fotd is a challenge I'm doing. The new smokey eye palettes from MAC are soo friggin hot that I want to buy both of them. But! I know that I have comparable colors or can achieve a similar look with stuff I already have. Hence, this fotd.. I'm really trying to convince myself that I don't need them *wah boo hoo!*

face:

MAC mineralize skinfinish natural pressed powder in medium dark

NW30 and NC30 concealers

cheeks:

MAC Sincere blush

Clinique Shimmering tones powder in Bare (?) to highlight

eyes:

Milani silver bullet on inner lid and lower inner lid (inner corner)

MAC Cork on outer lid

MAC Mothbrown on crease and outer v

NYC black liner on top lid

NC30 concealer as highlight

Loreal voluminous mascara

Styli Style bronze liner on lower lid

Cork e/s in brows

lips:

MAC Taupe Notch lipglass

NYX Eyeshadows

Have you been curious about NYX's new product that has been spotted around in stores? I sure have! I picked up a few items not too long ago. I already owned a few of the trio palettes, but these new, cute, little quilted print shadows in their sleek black pots were calling my name.

In true Kia fashion, I picked up these little minis. Adorable and great colors for the collection!

Pictured below (l-r) Gypsy, Fahrenheit, and Lime Juice.

Of course I liked these colors because they already existed in my collection! I swatched some colors that I felt the shadows were complete dupes of:

(top) Gypsy, (bottom) my fav Twinks by MAC

(top) Lime Juice, (bottom) Bitter by MAC (I think Eyepopping from the C Shock collection would have been a better match, but I didn't buy that because I already had Bitter! lol)

(top)Fahrenheit, (bottom) Expensive Pink by MAC

I know the flash washed out the swatch but you can see that they are close. Expensive Pink has a bit more gold.

These shadows are velvety with a bit more fall out or maybe I should call it "color pick up" lol, a good buy nonetheless, especially because of the color payoff. If you don't have the MAC colors, definitely pick up the NYX. Each one has a $3.99 price tag.

And from yours truly.. an fotd (umm not using the NYX colors) =)
p.s. don't mind the date stamp! lol

(All MAC unless otherwise stated)

face- nothing

cheeks- shimpagne and northern light msf, covered with a touch of Milani powder foundation to

get rid of the extreme shine

eyes- CoverGirl Queen collection creme foundation as concealer with a bit of pressed powder on

top, cork e/s in brows, leisure time e/s on lid, plummage e/s in crease, concealer to highlight, black liner, and Max Factor 2000 calorie

mascara, NYC lashes

lips- en pointe lipgloss with a sheer slick of up the amp lipstick!