Need help choosing foundations?

Check out this article and quiz from Women's Health Mag online. They've tested over 100 foundations so that we won't have to. Cool, simple and quick... find (or at least get a suggestion of) the right foundation for you. Start here!

Related articles: Choose the right oil cleaner for you

MAX Factor Salutes Hollywood Fashion

MAX Factor celebrated Hollywood fashion and beauty in its first annual Max Factor Salutes Hollywood Fashion Show. The event was hosted by Carmen Electra to benefit Clothes Off Our Back, founded by actors and philanthropists Jane Kaczmarek and Bradley Whitford, to benefit children's charities.

Hollywood beauties, including Carmen Electra, Denise Richards and Kristen Bell wore stunning creations from Arden B., Cosa Nostra, and David Meister amongst others that are now being auctioned off at Clothes Off Our Back's site, with all proceeds going to the organization. The auction runs until tomorrow, March 29th.

Everyone's favorite makeup artist and P&G Global Creative Design Director, Pat McGrath created the high-glam, cutting-edge makeup looks with great products from MAX Factor such as MAXalicious Glitz and Glaze Lip Glosses, MAXEye Shadow Exotics Collection, and Volume Couture Mascara. (Products used were also auctioned.)

Check out the site now to support!

photo: offourbacks.org

Ardell Heated Lash Curler

I was not too fond of the idea of lash curlers, but then I became a lover of all things lash and lash curlers found their way into my life.

Let's back track: Lash curlers were a quirky appliance that I was not putting anywhere near my face. Then I heard of heated lash curlers.. good grief! The contraption already looked dangerous. Now they are adding heat into the equation?! Pure madness! Besides, you can probably only find the heated lash curlers at a Sephora or Ulta or department store, I thought.

Fast forward a bit, to the the bit more open minded Yummy411 (after seeing a guy with the most impressive, natural set of lashes that he achieved with a press of the lash curler... W-O-W.) The heated curlers are in my local CVS! Battery operated and under $10! I've got to score a pair. I dare you! LOL

drugstore.com $4.19

E.L.F. Cosmetics

Finally, I saw e.l.f. cosmetics at my local Eckerd!

I saw the new shipment of customizable palettes for lips and eyes. I wonder what will be surfacing next. I'm interested in trying the lashes. No more nordstroms.com or online shopping. Right in the neighborhood! Check a drugstore near you!

Weekend Tales

Sorry about the lack of updates this past week almost (yikes!) I was tired of seeing the Balloonancy MAC girl myself, lol. This past weekend was all about Balloonancy and a long awaited reunion in NYC with my Semester at Sea alumni.

I stalked stores and waited to see the products in person. Finally, I made it to the Georgetown location where I was able to test everything with ease. I borrowed a couple of brushes and went to work experimenting. The location has horrible lighting, but I did the best I could. I knew I wanted to get some fab colors, for a special look to be 'sexy in the city.'

I got my loot, boarded my Chinatown bus and headed to the big city. I still needed something to wear, but with friends help, I would take care of that problem. Nothing like a little shopping in the city. I really wanted to visit the Times Square Sephora, but didn't have the opportunity. However, I was able to visit the MAC store on 125th (the cross street, I have no idea.) I love the little themes that the MA's come up with. In this store, the girls had cheetah prints around their eyes... so cute! I got fab help from a chica and walked out with my new fave blush of the moment, Harmony- muted rose-beige brown- a matte powder that would not grab your attention sitting on the rack, very underrated. (Next up: Blunt) I'm moving away from products with shimmer, because I like to customize my shimmer with highlighting powders... Will I ever get through my huge stash of shimmery products???

This was my weekend to test the waters with false lashes. I felt so girly and sexy with them on! I tried the Revlon Fantasy Lengths Maximum Wear Self-Adhesive 'Flirty' Eyelashes in an attempt to cut down the stress and mess with glue. With a little patience, I got them in place. Voila! I will be trying these more often =) I had my nails coated in the Vin Goth polish.. I like!

Great times, great people... I got to see some people I haven't seen in about five years, and other great friends where after 2-3 years, we haven't missed a beat. I had a fantastic time and can't wait to do it again.

More tales (with pictures!) to come!

My MAC Stash!

From the Balloonancy collection (Purple and orange rocks!):

-Festivity lipstick (light orange frost)

-Silly Girl (light orange with intense frost) and Perky l/g

-Viz-a-violet pigment

-Vin Goth nail polish (dark purple with subtle sparkle)

Other:

-Harmony powder blush ( a nice tan blush for my complexion)

-Twinks e/s (bronzed plum... a cool smokey eye for me)

-Nonconformist fluidline liner (purple!)

So the collection is very basic, but the promotion was fun and light hearted. I'm done drooling over and waiting for the next releases (until I see something really good that is.) I want to be surprised.

MAC Online Debut: Balloonancy and Paulina Rubio

Get a preview of the Balloonancy collection and the Paulino Rubio lipstick at MAC online. Weekend before last, when I made a trip to Philly, MUA at MAC let me sample some of the colors from Balloonancy.. very cool! I have too many must haves to name (Vin Goth nail polish, one of the highlighting powders, the quad--I am becoming a quad queen--, lipglass Silly Girl, one of the lippies and ahhh the pigments and sparkle liners-- Goldenair looks yummy!)

Welcome to the Family!

Every week/month/year my makeup bag blooms. For a long while I was content with lipglosses, tinted moisturizer and eyeliner. Discovering blush made me squeal with delight and decided that I was "growing up." Since then, I've learned to appreciate foundation, mascara, concealer, eyelash curlers and on and on down the beauty list. With the reactions of medicine, I've seen my face glisten with oil and my makeup glide. I discovered primer to help make my makeup stay, now what would I do for those glistening spot?? I've been contemplating the little blotter sheets and powder for a while, but decided that I really didn't need it up until now. Not being able to get my desired blotter sheets and powder from Tarte, I thought I'd start with a drugstore cosmetic, which is what I always do when experimenting.

I picked up Black Opal's Invisible Oil Blocking Powder ($9.99). My first blotting powder! So far, I've been plenty pleased! It didn't cake on me yet, it is invisible, and comes with a convenient mirror. A Makeup Alley approved item! Welcome to the family (aka the makeup bag) oil blocking powder =)

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.)

ISO: Lipstick in Valentino Ad

Last seen: orange matte lipstick on this Valentino model in the women's wear ad
If anyone has seen this lipstick or knows anything about it, please leave info in comments. A brilliant reward will be given (er, a huge thanks) to anyone who provides leads. Thank you.

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!)

A Do or Don't: Macy Gray

Yummy411's friends over at WalkTaken! posted this photo of Macy Gray not too long ago, critiquing her hair, giving her the thumbs down (walk on it, lol.) I actually think it's okay and definitely an upgrade for her- makeup, hair, clothes and all... I love the tie action. I've been trying to find one myself! What do you all think? Is it a Do or Don't for Macy Gray?

Beauty Brackets

March Madness not quite your thing? Trust me, I like to see the guys in all the athletic photos and the special March Madness gear, but there's something that I just can't totally get into, ya know? Well, just like there are the tournament brackets, someone ingenious came up with the Beauty Brackets! The Home Spa Goddess (aka Denise) is hosting the Beauty Brackets over at her site TheHomeSpaGoddess.com. Click here to join us as the first round has already begun! She has all the details outlined at her site.

Accidental Diva, Tia Williams

I finally grabbed a hold of Accidental Diva by Tia Williams (former beauty editor, one of my favorite bloggers, tv personality) from one of my favorite book stores, Karibu. It was on sale for $6.99. Score! Some of you may say, "What has taken you so long?" Well, well, I have tons of books with all the intentions to read them.. and never do. So, I've been on book buying hiatus until I get some of them read. When you walk past Karibu, you can't help but to stop by and see what's new and what's on sale in black lit. I stopped by just in time to snatch up the deal. Maybe, it's a gift and a lure for her new book coming out, It Girl. I'll get to reading so that I'm ready for the next book.

My friend and Yummy411 reader, Muthasfynest, asked about Iman cosmetics and any recommendations. While I've never used them, the aforementioned and yummy chica Tia Williams has.

In this pretty as ever photo, her makeup artist (Sam Fine) used Iman Sheer Finish Bronzing Powder in Sand ($17) on her natural highlight points (forehead, top of cheeks, nose, and chin.) So as a recommendation, look at her results and follow. Also, I haven't had the opportunity to consult Freelance Makeup Artist Sister, as I know she uses Iman products. So more to come!

Organic Beauty Bar?

Just think about.. organic, natural ingredients, blended together for the ultimate concoction-- a delicious smoothie, but for your skin! That's what you would get at an organic beauty bar. Wanna go?
I would too! This idea has not yet become reality, but with your help it could. Dana Ayanna Greaves came up with this idea and has entered into the IdeaWins: Ultimate Challenge-- a nationwide search for the most innovative business-- and was selected as a finalist! If you need more info you can watch a three minute video here. The winner of the competition will be selected in part by public vote and the grand prize winner will receive retail space in NY plus seed money to start the company. Voting is live now through March 10 on http://www.ideawins.com/. Come on! What are you waiting for? I see, let's go and click together. It's okay.. it's just a click! Dana needs us and we need that body smoothie (if we don't eat it first!)

More info about Dana Ayanna Greaves here!

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.)

PISC3S PARAD3

HAPPY BDAY TO MY FAVORITE PISC3S (pisces)!

2/21- My sis #2 who rocks everything well with her fav accessory- attitude!

3/05- today! this is my older sis, who's a freelance makeup artist. i used to think makeup was too much and i'd never get like her and never want to leave the house without gloss, mascara or a little powder--- yikes...now look who's talking! never say never=)

i love my girls!

More on brushes

This is by far my favorite makeup brush right now. Yes, it took the spot of my beloved kabuki brush and fluffy powder brush. This, my lovelies, is the smoky-wide shadow brush by none other than the Essence of Beauty drugstore brand. Great tool to practice your smokey eye. The thick end for lid color and the small dense for super blending. Cost: about $4-$9. I must have the double ended foundation and concealer brush. I have both, but so convenient right? For those of you concerned about the price not being equivalent to quality, Makeup Alley raves about the brushes as well. Besides, I think it's a good deal for your money.

(colors, Shimmermoss on lid, French Gray in crease and white shimmer from Milani bronzer shimmer strips as brow highlight, MAC fluidliner in shade, eek! no mascara, lol)

Poll Results: How Often Do You Clean Your Makeup Brushes?

Regularly (1x/week-1x/month): 40%
Hardly (1x/6 months- how do i clean my brushes?/never): 60%
Total votes: 10

Check out the MakeupGirl and her tips on brush cleaning!

::so far, according to the poll most of us hardly clean our brushes. does this accurately describe your habits? weigh in on the topic! for me: i'm part of the majority. everything came into practice over time. i learned to apply makeup with brushes (not just shadows). then came learning about makeup brush cleaning. for a long time i would just swipe the brushes clean (use a tissue and brush the brushes until they no longer had color in them) this seemed to work for a while, since i would use the same brushes for the same products/colors. however, i wanted to use more colors and water wasn't doing enough to clean my brushes =p ::