Sephora....Makeup Rewards?

So this blog is dedicated to Sephora and there 'Rewards' program or lack of.  I can't belive that in this age of professional discounts that Sephora is the last of major stores to follow suit.  I guess what prompted me to write this is my new Back Stage card that I just received from Makeup For Ever which entitles me to a 40% professional discount but here's the catch it can only be used at the Makeup Forever boutique or by ordering over the phone.  This becomes an issue to me because I live within a mile of a Sephora store in which I cannot use my card...I just find it to be utter BS!!  Come on Sephora get with the times and start honoring some of the professional discounts these companies give out.  I know for one thing I am going to start purchasing my cosmetic needs from other companies and cosmetic boutiques that are willing to give out actual discounts as opposed to 1oz samples.  So there you have it my rant for the day and if you feel the same please leave a comment and express how you feel.

Juice Beauty Cleansing Gel

So this product is one of my January Favorites for 2010 and I have been using it faithfully for the past 3 months.  I have to say that for a few years now I have been a die hard Neutrogena fan and have even recommended there products to friends and clients alike.  Now things have changed Juice Beauty is now my TOP face cleanser, this stuff is organic and amazing. So lets go over the pros, it is so very deep cleansing and gets out all the dirt and grim on my face especially after a long day of running around and working.  My skin feels silky and squeaky clean but with every pro there is a con.  The con's of this product is this, I would not use this unless I had very oily skin, NOT combination skin but oily skin because it really does take out all that excess oil so if you have any dry patches it will really dry you out.  The smell is not that appealing so that is another thing that you have to get use to but other than those two things this is an oily girl's dream.  My 6oz bottle has lasted me 3 months (twice a day use) as you only need 1 pump per use.  My acne is getting under control and I just may expand and try other products from Juice Beauty.  So this definitly gets a thumbs up!

6oz. $22 from Sephora

Product Review: Temptu Airbrushing System

There has been so much talk about this new Temptu system, I just had to get the product myself and try it out.  So here is my official take on the system..........And before you read this please keep in mind that I do use Temptu and have many of there products in my kit.

SAVE YOUR MONEY!!!  The only good thing I could find in this system is that they actually made a system affordable for women to use at home.  My issues are this there were too many steps just to get started, the noise level is off the charts for such a small system.  Now as a professional I have used many compressors that have there fair share of noise but this was just tooo much.  Now my biggest no no with the Temptu system is the selection of foundations and not being able to mix and get the correct color for my skintone.  Usually with airbrushing you can add drops of different foundations and mix to get your exact shade but that is not the case with this.  So I went through the one pod is too light then the next pod is too dark...........and layering the foundations is not an option either, I took this back to the store so quickly. 

Just know that I do love the Temptu products and I just think that they should refine the total package.  Make that compressor quiet, get a few more shades in the line since you can't mix them like other products and add an air pod in with the original package. 

So pair all of this along with the pricing and I will pass besides I am still keeping my fingers crossed that MAC will bring back Studio Mist foundation.  For now if I need airbrushing I will be mixing my drops or purchasing Dior Airbrush foundation.  Until next time Be Beautiful everyone!

Price: $225.00 for the system

          $55.00 for 2 pod refills keep in mind that the pods DO NOT come with the system

Must Have!!!! Juice Beauty

I was in Sephora not to long ago with my never ending search for the perfect face wash I was drawn to Juice Beauty an organic line of skincare. There skin cleanser is a lathering, therapeutic cleanser to thoroughly purify and balance oily, combination, or blemished skin, and since I have very oily skin I thought it would be perfect. So after a week of use I am ready to give up my Neutrogena face wash, even though this product has pros and cons of it's own. The smell is not the most appealing especially in the morning and for those with combination skin it can actually be over drying but since I have VERY oily skin this is not the case for me. But what really won me over was it's organic contents left my skin with a healthy glow, pair with MUFE All Mat and light powder gives me a flawless finish. Other products from Juice Beauty will be reviewed in the near future.

Retails at $22 and can be purchased at Sephora.com

Deal Alert!! Sephora's Color Play Palette

Color Play Palette ($120 Value)

What it is:An all-in-one ensemble of vibrant, wearable hues for eyes, face, and lips.

What it does:Sephora Brand Color Play Palette is everything you need for a fun, flirty spring and summer look. This limited-edition assortment of shades offers 10,000 different combinations, so you can create the hot new look of your dreams at home or en voyage.

This set contains:- 36 eyeshadows- 12 lip glosses- 3 blushes- bronzer- 3 applicators

At a price of $22 you had better order yours today or stop into a Sephora near you to pick up this summers MUST HAVE!!!!

*Video Review coming soon*

NARS = Safe Sex

Ok so please tell me why I was at Sephora and went to go restock my FAV NARS blush and was totally blown away!!! Nars has just unveiled there new limited edition packaging for Orgasm blush, appropriately called 'Safer Set' and 'Safest Set'. At $37 dollars there is no longer a reason why you can't be safe and totally fab at the same time!

The 'Safest' set comes with The Multiple in Orgasm and a little black book of ways to say no!!

The 'Safer' set comes with of course The Multiple in Orgasm and two chic condoms that any fashionista would be proud to have in her purse! So kudos to NARS for making sure that we get our 'Orgasm' the SAFE way.

To order yours go to Sephora.com or stop in to your local Sephora store

The Apple of My Eye

It is my duty as a totally 100% HM girl to bring you the best makeup tips there are so you can imagine how I scour the internet and stores looking for anything and everything beautiful. So where did my internet trolling lead me today....none other than one of my top 5 beauty sites out there Sephora.com!!!! I thought I would focus today on something that may get overlooked a little too much. BLUSH!!!!!!
Nothing says well put together than a sheer flushed cheek that complements your entire look. Most time if I'm on a rush I will put on blush, mascara, and a clear gloss and I'm out the door. That's my 2 minute face and it really is the blush that really makes it. So first things first let' go over blush application because if your going to have a fab look you just have to start with the application.......

Proper application of blush or any other makeup begins with clean dry skin, be sure to apply moisturizer and and base makeup that you may use. Have handy any tools (i.e. blush brush, kabuki, etc.) you don't want to have to stop and look for items thats just a waste of time. Remember that blush is one of those items that is meant to be layered so when you start off gently tap brush into the blush and blend lightly on the apples of the cheek, my fav technique is to blend in the shape of a Nike swoosh because you will be sure to conture the actual shape of your cheekbones. Same technique when applying a gel or liquid blush only I prefer to use my fingers, having been a makeup artist for as ling as I have you learn that your fingers are your greatest tools when applying makeup! One thing to keep in mind when applying is to AVOID putting blush in one spot it won't give you a flushed cheek look it will actually give you a round circle on the side of your head like a clown!!! Not a good look for anyone outside of the circus!!!!!

**HM Tip

My fav tip for blush is simple and easy to do.......when putting on blush smile the widest smile you can and apply blush in the Nike Swoosh, blend lightly! You have a perfectly flushed look, be sure you don't skip the mascara or gloss so you have a complete look with out looking too overly made up.

So now that we have went over application here are some blushes that really caught my eye and all of these can be found on Sephora's website!!

Benetint $28
Oh Benetint.......this has been a cult fav for like forever..........fab red just pinched cheeks.

So the is the Sephora brand Blush Me Trio $15

This is a new product that came out this year and is already highlighting the cheeks of many HM chicks (me being one) gently sweep your blush across the trio of complementing colors for a perfect mix of color, another little secret of mine is to sweep your brush across the lightest color for a fab complementing highlighter.

Sephora Luminous Trio $15

Bronzers beware!!! This shimmering trio is H-O-T!!!!!!! I love this and it's not limited to just a blush I love to sweep this across my entire face, neck, and decolletage for a gorgeous all over glow!

Sephora Exclusive

Nars Blush/Bronzer Duo

It's NARS who cares about the price it NARS!!!!!! A must have based on the fact that it comes in Orgasm!!!! A universal flattering color that looks good on everyone!!!!!! I total must have...

Be sure to email me with all your beauty and fashion question at hmb215@verizon.net and be sure to check out my podcast for even more of the High Maintenance Lounge

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Always Keep It High Maintenance

Bambi