The Makeup Show 2013

Can you guys believe I'm still on a high from The Makeup Show and playing with my goodies? Yes!

I Keeked a few of my goodies... you are on Keek, right?  It's the Twitter of Youtube; video love with less pressure in small doses!

Check out some of my Keeks on my goodies!
If you aren't familiar with Keek, they are short videos (36 seconds or less).

May 8, 2013 | #tmsny2013 #themakeupshow #haul pt.1 by yummy411 on Keek.com

May 8, 2013 | #tmsnyc2013 #themakeupshow #haul pt.2 by yummy411 on Keek.com

May 8, 2013 | New cool tip from the GlamFather! #faceatelier #matte spray by yummy411 on Keek.com

I'll post more photos and info on my experience this year!

I'm loving... MAC Conceal and Correct Palette

For some reason in the winter months, I have a harder time finding my perfect balance of the coverage I want from my foundation as well as my perfect highlight.  I've played around with some other brands and formulas, but I came back to my old faithful, MAC Studio Finish Concealer.

To help me customize my concealer in the winter months, I opted for the new MAC Conceal and Correct Palette... 4 shades of concealer with two correctors. The medium palette consists of NW25, NW35, NC30, NC35, Mid-yellow and Mid-Peach.   

Rumor: I had gotten word that while the palette is a collection of studio finish concealers, it's not the same exact consistency.  Verdict: Unfortunately, the rumor was true.  This palette seems a bit more creamy than stiff, which is what I enjoy about Studio Finish concealers; just the right balance of emollience and stiffness.

Overall: I made it work for me using it over my MAC Prolong Wear foundation.  The foundation creates a perfect canvas for my oily combination skin: matte and does not budge!  I've been enjoying this product ever since, especially the yellow! It brightens my under eye highlight without going too light for my skintone.

Have you tried or used this?

How to Choose a Concealer

Tips on how to choose a concealer!
1. Decide the coverage you need:
Need a 'wake me up'?
Dark circles?


2. Decide the look you are going for:
Even skin tone under eyes?
Highlighted look a la Kim K?

For just enough coverage and even skin tone under the eyes, choose a concealer close to your skin tone or one to two shades lighter.  Too bright? Add a bit of your foundation to mellow the color a bit.
Product recommendations: Maybelline Fit Me Concealer, CoverGirl Queen Collection Concealer, MAC Select Cover Up Concealer or MAC Select Moisturecover Concealer if you have dry skin type or mature skin.

For dark circles and need a bit more coverage, follow steps above for even skin tone under the eyes but use a fuller coverage concealer and/or add a corrector!  If needed, on top of your foundation add corrector then concealer.  People have different preferences on how and what order to apply concealer and corrector.  Just use it! LOL
Product recommendations: Eve Pearl Salmon Concealer, MAC Studio Finish Concealer, Bobbi Brown (peach) Corrector, Victoria Secret Pro Concealer Palette (it includes a peach and green for various correction issues)

For a highlighted look, use a concealer or foundation two shades lighter than your skin tone (and corrector if needed).  Apply concealer under the eye from bottom lash line to tops of the cheek bones. BLEND well!! Make a seamless finish between concealer and foundation

To make your concealer last:  Look for long wear formulas like MAC's Pro Longwear  concealer.  Be sure to set your concealer with a translucent powder!


Here's how I apply my concealer (and foundation).
Take it from my sis (but don't highlight your brows as she does please! lol)

NARS revamps their concealer!

Makeup! Orgasm... blush! LOVE! ( I remember saying LOVE to describe things that I wanted to equate to being orgasmic or like "love" on the beach, Eureka!) While I decided to use the more comfortable and more accurate LOVE, Nars makes the other sayings appropriate. There's a blush called Orgasm for goodness sakes!

I had a love or makeup orgasm moment when I saw that on September 1st, Nars Cosmetics would be releasing their new, revamped concealers. I'm a foundation and blush whore, but a concealer fiend as well. This news has me anxiously awaiting September 1st. Check out the news below!

NARS is giving a face lift to its Concealer! Along with a new slim packaging, the formula has grown its range from six to ten shades in order to reach a broader scope of skin tones. All shades boast the same lightweight, creamy texture, enriched with Vitamin E for crease-resistant coverage that stays in place all day.

• Chantilly – for fairest of complexions, true ivory (NEW!)

• Vanilla – for fair complexions, tiny cast of pink tones

• Honey – for light to medium complexion, warm peach tones

• Custard – for light to medium complexions, yellow tones

• Ginger – for medium complexions, golden tones

• Biscuit – for medium to dark complexions, natural balance of pink and yellow tones (NEW!)

• Caramel – for medium to dark complexions, yellow and golden tones (NEW!)

• Amande – for medium to dark complexions, golden olive tones (NEW!)

• Café – for dark complexions, warm red tones (NEW!)

• Cacao – for dark complexions, deep-gold-brown tones (NEW!)

Narscosmetics.com, ($22)

Are you as excited as I am???

Reader Approved Concealers

19 Reader-Approved Concealers

These concealers are the secret beauty weapon when it comes to having flawless-looking skin

This is a TotalBeauty.com face makeup article To help you find your new best kept makeup secret "friend," we rounded up the highest rated concealers as reviewed by Total Beauty readers. See the list

No. 19: Cle de Peau Correcteur Visage Concealer, $68

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8

"This concealer is amazing, smooth, creamy and will make you look absolutely flawless."

No. 18: Smashbox Camera Ready Full Coverage Concealer, $18

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.5

Despite having a thick texture, readers say, "it has the power of a concealer, with the 'spreadability' of a moisturizer."

No. 17: Bare Escentuals bareMinerals SPF 20 Multi-Tasking Concealer, $18

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.7

"Works great as a concealer for blemishes, redness and dark under eye circles" and it "won't clog pores or make blemishes worse."

Want to see what other products made the list? Click here!

CoverGirl Queen Collection Natural Hue Concealer

Hey all! You all have had the pleasure of seeing just about all of my family on my blog, LOL! In this post, however, I'm reintroducing my sister Toni as my co-editor! Yay! So look forward to more from her in the future. In the past, she's graced us with her lovely face quite a few times and has shown us makeup looks, but this time she's giving us the low down on the new Cover Girl Queen Collection Natural Hue concealer (Whew! That's a mouthful!) Read on to see if she loves it, hate it or recommends it!
(The Natural Hue concealer comes in four shades: Golden Honey, Classic Bronze, Warm Caramel and Sheer Espresso.)

I was really anticipating the new Cover Girl Queen Collection Natural Hue concealer since I so love their foundation, bronzer, and most products from that line. In a nutshell, I was shockingly disappointed by the new product, and here’s why…

The coverage leaves so much more to be desired. The point of concealer is to get rid of the dark circles or problem areas under the eye and on the face, but I had no success in that area when using this product.

The consistency of the concealer is a little too watery and thin. Although I really appreciate coverage without it being too thick or pasty, I was hesitant when I felt the consistency of the product, and for good reason.

On a lighter note, this product would be perfect for people who don’t really have under eye circles, but would like to lighten under the eye for effect. It would also be perfect for those who don’t do a full face of make up, but throw on a little concealer and gloss before hitting the streets. I don’t recommend the concealer only look, but it works for some. If that look is for you, then this product may be one that you’d want to try.

Although the new concealer does not intrigue me, I am a true fan of the Queen Collection. This is just one product that I won’t use, which happens to be true for most product lines. There are usually products from various lines that you love and others, not so much. So, I’ll continue using the products from the Queen Collection that are absolute must haves and hope for a concealer that will “Wow”, in the future.

Toni/DarbyGirl

*This product was provided by PR for review.

Drugstore Paparazzi 7/20/2010: New Milani

I haven't done one of these posts in a minute, huh? Nouveau Cheap, one of my favorite newer blogs keeps you up to date on all things bargain beauty. I don't keep up on every release in the drugstore, but I love to show you what piques my interest!

Ooooh! Ahhh! I'm really excited about these new Lip Flash pencils! I got two of them: News Flash and I believe, In a Flash. I gave them a quick run and they made me squeal. They deserve their own separate post!

More baked bronzers from Milani? Or revamped baked bronzers? I saw these Milani Baked Bronzers a while back. However, here is the stand for the new product, ummm minus the actual product. *Sigh* I guess we can't have it all, huh? Actually, I had one of the three bronzers in my basket (forgot to take a picture, hehe), got to the register and couldn't swallow the $10 price tag for yet another shimmery bronzer. Wait for BOGO? More than likely. These are more refined than the foil-tastic baked bronzers they had before. The packaging isn't as chunky and they look appealing. You will definitely get glitter shimmers, but I'm willing to try them at a better bargain price! I hear the mosaic bronzers/blush colors are the bomb!

Omg, I spy HD Advanced Concealer! I didn't notice it until I looked at the picture on the computer. Making items ankle-level is never a good idea. Will be back at the store pronto to check that out!

Have any of you seen these products? Tried them? Tell me what you think!

Under Eye Brightening Solutions: Laura Mercier's Secret Brightening Powder and Ben Nye's Banana Visage Powder

These two products have been raved about around the beauty blogosphere as under eye brightening miracles. Here's how I weigh in:

Ben Nye (Banana) Visage Powder
"Ultra fine, sheer translucent, perfect soft finish"

Heralded as the best highlighting powder, it stands up to the claim! It's a light weight powder that sets concealer and brightens the under eye area without the cakiness. The powder comes in a small range of colors, but will be able to fit most for the purpose of highlighting.

My take: Since I prefer highlighting under my eyes as opposed to just concealing my dark circles, this powder has the pigmentation to give a brighter look as well as be translucent enough to not over do the job by being a second foundation; no cakiness. The pigmentation is key here as it will set the concealer and highlight (helps with oilies too!). So glad I have this in my kit. Ben Nye is my choice of setting powders for clients. While this is a good powder, I actually take any powder (decently milled) that's a bit lighter than my regular setting powder and use a fluffy brush to apply as it will soften the application.

Laura Mercier's Secret Brightening Powder
Laura Mercier's Secret Brightening Powder is a lighter-than-air powder used to set Secret Brightener, Secret Concealer and Secret Camouflage, while adding an invisible lightening boost.
LM's powder is lighter than air and will completely set concealer, not necessarily LM's trio of coverage in my case, but concealer nonetheless. This powder comes in two colors- #1 a white powder with silver sparkle and #2 an ivory powder with golden sparkles

My take: This brightens as one of the infamous HD, white translucent powders would brighten. That's not particularly the way I would like to brighten. The color comes off a bit off white with little to no detection of the sparkles. I would have to use this uber sparingly to not get the white cast. Unfortunately, I prefer a highlighter, so this isn't my cup of tea exactly. A little goes a long way, so I have more than enough to use up!

How do you weigh in? Have you tried these products? Prefer one over the other as I do? Let me know!

Victoria's Secret Pro Camouflage FX Concealer Palette

(pic source)

How did I go so long without a concealer/corrector palette? I had my own little personal Bobbi Brown palette, but that's wasn't enough. One definitely belonged in the pro kit. This Victoria's Secret Pro Camouflage Palette saved the day! I love this stuff. I once had one of MUFE's corrector palettes. No bueno for me. It was so creamy it wouldn't stay in place! Even after setting it, the concealer and powder curdled under my eyes. It's probably best for mature skin, but not for me. The VS palette has a great stiff consistancy (great for those with oily skin). I'm so happy to have this and it's definitely Yummy411 approved! You have a great chance of finding it in the store; I can't find it on the VS site =(

**Update 4/06/2010: This can be found in VS stores now, $18!!**
*PR sample was provided for this review

Hitting the pan on Bobbi Brown's Face Palette

This is by far one of my best CCO purchases yet. Bobbi Brown's Face Palette with creamy concealer, corrector, yellow finishing powder and stick/creme concealer all for $25. This is a multitasking palette! I use it on my brows, to conceal, to neutralize my lids and for a handy, compact foundation on-the-go. I'm sad about hitting the pan. My CCO doesn't carry this anymore. Will I take the plunge and repurchase this on QVC.com with a mini-brush for $58?--- ish! (an inverted shhh. Am I the only one that makes this sound when trying to keep composure when something is shocking?)

...*gulp*

Are you hitting the pan on a discontinued or hard to find item?

The Makeup Show NYC 2009 Make Up For Ever

MUFE was in charge of creating a masterpiece on top of this masterpiece! He was giving up the Tyra the entire time. Fierce!!

I was spying in the on the set up of the MUFE booth! I wanted to know what goods they had ahead of time. I wasn't much of the sleuth, but I did spy...

Kevin Bennett as well! He let us in on the fact that this Fall we should be looking for the new HD concealer to debut .. yippeee!!!

MUFE was the most visited booth, but had the weirdest set up! It was narrow and small. You placed your written order (if you could actually see the products and be stable enough to write downa thing or two), stood in a ridiculously long line and they would bring your order to you. WOW what an experience. Next time I'll be ready with elbow pads and a game plan! lol

Yummy411: Concealing My Dad's Dark Circles

I'm a bit neurotic about my dark circles that I've inherited from my dad. No matter how many concealers, foundations, brightening powders, etc. I've tried, I never feel I've concealed enough. I'm learning to live with them a bit, as I check mags and some of the world's prettiest people do not have clear, bright skin under their eyes.. and I'm not talking the photoshopped promotional pics. This time I wanted to see if I could cover the dark circles of all dark circles: my dad's dark circles!

Sleep deprivation, allergies, dehydration and diet plays a major role in the appearance of our dark circles.

Here is my dad's dark circle, no makeup.

Eek, one of the concealers was way too light!I tried some trusty black opal and it seems to be a better match.

As much as I like the coverage, there was a tinge of gray that needed to be canceled out in a different light (he's using a mag to cover half of his face.)

I took him to the studio (aka my bathroom). All looks well and is a drastic improvement.

Now I wanted to try another trick to cover dark circles... the orange cream! Maybe this would get rid of the gray tinge! I only had some orange type lipstick, but once applied to my dad, it appeared pink. DIY Eve Pearl's famous salmon concealer perhaps?? Basing your concealer with a orange cream color base is supposed to get rid of dark circles completely!

End result! The tinge of gray is gone! Amazing! Yes, scroll back up to see my dad dark circles before we started this process... wowzers!

Neurotic like I am about dark circles? Check out the Dark Circles Blog!

Yummy411: Hyperpigmentation/ Dark Spots

Hey Talysha, this one's for you!

Many women of color suffer from hyperpigmentation or dark spots from acne to ingrown hairs. I wanted some advice from blogger friend Mischo about what we should do about them and the best spot concealer!

Here's what she had to say:

"Hyperpigmentation is the overproduction of pigment (melanin) which results in discoloration or dark areas on the skin. It may be caused by a number of internal or external factors such as sunlight, injury, trauma, medication, skin diseases and skin treatments and products. Women of color are more susceptible to skin discoloration due to genetics and the differences in physiology.

If you have a tendency for this disorder, then you should avoid the following:

1. Sun Exposure (it's one of the biggest causes of hyperpigmentation and will make existing disorders worse)

2. Deep Chemical Peels, Microdermabrasion or Laser Services (these services could result in injury or trauma to the skin)

3. Over-Exfoliation (this will make the disorder worse and might cause hypopigmentation, which is the loss of pigment)

4. Manipulation of Pimples (use an over-the-counter spot treatment or medication prescribed by your dermatologist to treat them)

Because shaving may cause hyperpigmentation for some, in addition to irritated skin and ingrown hairs, I would suggest waxing, threading, or using a depilatory (hair removal cream). Your dermatologist may even have a treatment to block hair growth.

I'd recommend Dermablend products as a concealer. I've heard over and over again how great they are for achieving maximum coverage and a flawless look. (Yummy411:"I would recommend MAC's Studio Finish SPF35 concealer.")

Though skin of color is more susceptible to pigmentation issues, it's advantage is that due to it's difference in physiology, it has a greater protection from the sun and shows fewer signs of aging."

See Mischo's full article on her site- Hyperpigmentation 101. Thanks Mischo for all of your help!!!

Stay tuned for Part 2. I personally have dark underarms, so I'm visiting a dermotologist. I'm going to sneak in a couple of questions and I'll let you all know what he says!

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!

5 Min Makeover

My friend Kris I. is a minimalist when it comes to makeup. She keeps her hair on point, can step out in a killer pump, but doesn't feel comfortable applying makeup. During a little downtime today, I showed Kris what she could do quickly in the morning to add a little umph to her look.

Here's Kris:


Now doesn't she have the best set of lashes??
1. We applied a primer to her face (to hold the makeup in tact.)


2. Based her lid with concealer (to keep the shadow from sliding and creasing and to pop the color.)


3. Applied MAC eyeshadow Girlie to 3/4 of lid starting from inner corner. Then, on the outer lid I used MAC Cranberry.


4. I lined her eye with MAC Earthline technakohl liner.


5. She applied CoverGirl Lash Exact to her lashes.


6. I dusted over her t zone and cheeks with Victoria's Secret Very Sexy Mosaic Bronzer Blush.

7. She used her own Victoria Secret potted gloss (in a lovely pink shade.)

Essence Mag: The Best Of...

The April issue of Essence mag has Terrence Howard gracing the cover (not my favorite shot of him.) One of the highlights of the mag is the Essence 2007 Readers' Choice Beauty Awards. Here are the categories and top contenders... (remember that these are the readers' choice awards):

The Best Fragrance:
Affection by Mary Kay
(others include- Coco Mademoiselle and Allure by Chanel, Euphoria by Calvin Klein)

The Best Nail Care:
OPI- color (Essie) and strengthener
Sally Hansen- top coat and strengthener

The Best Hair Care:
Chi Ceramic Flat Irons- styling tools
Pantene Pro-V Relaxed and Natural Intensive Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner- shampoo and conditioner
V05 Hot Oil Treatment- hair treatment
Dark and Lovely Fade Resistant Hair Color and Conditioner- hair color
Let's Jam! and Elasta QP Glaze- hair gel
Motions at Home Salon Care Light Hold Working Spritz- hair spray

The Best Skin Care:
Olay Regenerist Daily Regenerating Cleanser- cleanser
L'Oreal Pure Zone Pore Unclogging Scrub Cleanser- exfoliator
Mary Kay TimeWise Age Moisturizer-facial moisturizer

Clinique All About Eyes- eye cream

The Best Body Care:

Dove Deep Moisture Beauty Body Wash- body wash

Origins Ginger Body Scrub- body scrub

Olay Quench Body Lotion- lotion

and finally..

The Best Makeup:

Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer Kit- concealer

(other- Black Radiance Concealer Stick)

M.A.C. Studio Fix Foundation- foundation

(other- Prescriptives Custom Blend Foundation)

Black Opal Oil Absorbing Pressed Powder- powder

Bobbi Brown Bronze Shimmer Brick- blush

(other- Iman Blushing Powder Duo)

L'Oreal HIP Shocking Shadow Pigments- eye shadow

Wet 'N Wild Eyeliner Pencil- eyeliner

Maybelline Great Lash Mascara- mascara

(other- CoverGirl Lash Exact Mascara)

MAC Lipglass- lipgloss

Clinique Color Surge Lipstick- lipstick

How do these products rate with you?

(Thanks Renee!)

MAC NEWS and Wishlist

(This will be a rather lengthy post, so click on the music player in my sidebar, groove with me and read on in my adventures in makeup!)
Lightful-the new line of skin care by MAC to brighten and liven skin. (I'm not convinced yet.)

My lastest MAC haul (overall) From the Barbie Loves MAC collection:
e/s- Magic Dust, Moth Brown, and Springtime Skipper
l/g- Sweetness
beauty powder- Pearl Blossom
other (not from the collection)- lustreglass Sinnamon and iridescent powder- Star, fluidline Shade, prep + prime skin, and select coverup concealer.

Right now, I'm loving prep+prime skin. It makes your skin feel so soft and silky. Besides, it makes your makeup last all day. Special bonus: light reflecting particles (light shimmer to give your overcoat of foundation a dewy glow).

MAC select coverup concealer has replaced my select moisturecover concealer. The moisturecover glides on nicely and as its name suggests, provides moisture. The moisture makes the concealer very light, but my bags need more. This is where the select coverup comes in. It gives me just a little more. Not over-powering, but just a little more coverage with a little less moisture.

On my wishlist: MAC mineralize satinfinish. This looks sooo yummy. I can't wait to get to the MAC store! Light to medium buildable coverage, a seamless finish (highly blendable!) with light reflecting particles. When they say a dewy foundation, this is the truth! I sampled some on the back of my hand. The hand won't always reveal the true color, but what I saw was near impeccable. The formula blended into my skin, didn't feel dry and had a healthy radiance. I can't wait to get it on my face. I love a complete, neat and fresh canvas for makeup. Next, I want the Beauty Burst e/s. This is a vibrant shade of brown with a little red in it. I have other browns, but they are smogged and muted. This brown is intensified with more pigment, so better color payoff. Iridescent powders are turning into an obsession. I'd like to try Belightful...simply to add to the collection. I'd like to backtrack and revisit the Racquel Welch Icon collection. I need to investigate Yogamode beauty powder and the Sweet and Shy and Orange Twink glimmershimmers. I didn't realize how soft and elegant the colors are. Some are so soft they don't show up, but the products I mentioned seem to be worth a second look. (I totally wasn't interested at first. Just like the Mystery Powder from the Couture collection. Do they even still have it? yikes!) Lastly, I need brush #217 or #222. I can't remember which, but let me tell you, when the brush touched my eye, it was the most pleasant pampering. Now, I only know this because of a bad experience. When I started experimenting with my shading and blending brushes, I used a crease brush that wore my eyes out! I didn't realize until I was done. When I went to remove my makeup with my gentle makeup remover, it stung like hell. I had two sore red eyes for two days. Now, I know the difference and can really appreciate this brush by MAC. (Does Sephora carry a cheaper and comparable version? Anyone know?)

Can I get the MAC discount card. This is getting out of hand. Don't get me started on the Balloonancy collection =(
... ok or the Strange Hybrid collection... *sigh*

I went downtown to visit the MAC counter for a Barbie makeover. As I presumed, they would run out of everything (mainly the lipsticks and lipglasses). So I got a makeover, but not in the way that Barbie Loves MAC ;)
(MAC makeup artist, my friend Tamara. Colors used: cork in eyebrows and a little Boy Girl brow gel/set; select coverup in nc30 as browhighlight; nw45 on lid -primer- and undereye; Springtime Skipper e/s from lashline to crease; Beauty burst in outercorner and crease; Rule eyeshadow in innercrease and as a liner; a violet shade for lower lashline; a touch of magic dust for my inner corners; zoom lash mascara; a bit of style blush on cheeks, Star iridescent powder on face; random gloss - the lip style was eaten off by the time I took these pics. I loved this look! It looked totally glam when I went out. The look was bold without bold colors. Fab if I may say so myself.)