So I’m sure you heard already, but Max Factor is discontinuing sales in the US. This means that a nice chunk of shelf space in some major retailers is left  open and waiting to be filled with something else fun and enticing.  At WalMart (at least in our local area), I was happily surprised to see this space filled with Hard Candy Cosmetics, a brand that’s been so difficult to find in recent years that I’ve heard many people asking if they’re even still around. Not only are they still here, their offerings have expanded greatly and the price point is exceptionally reasonable, averaging 6 bucks with a few slightly more expensive products.

After hemming and hawing a bit I finally decided to adopt a Walk The Line liquid eyeliner in Night Sky, a silvery gray liner loaded with multicolored glitter. The packaging claims two things: Dries fast, and stays put. I wouldn’t say I’m 100% behind either of those statements. I applied this liner as I usually do with a liquid liner, and by the time I left for work 20 minutes later it still wasn’t dry. I ended up with a line on my upper eyelid and I was not pleased. Next time a shot of cool air from my blow dryer will definitely be called for. If you have time and patience this could work better for you, but I work at 4 in the morning and thus have very little of either. I have to say that the glitter did seem to last pretty well, though the silvery base color faded quickly. Perhaps a regular liner not loaded with glitter would stay better, but I wasn’t what you’d call nuts about this one at all. (more…)

What clumped, what ran and what truly transformed our real-woman testers.

 

Total Beauty had 12 beauty-junkie readers test out so-called lengthening and volumizing mascaras. Their verdict: You could spend a fortune on the best — but you don’t have to.

See mascaras

Being a sucker for deals and freebies, this offer from tarte cosmetics I cannot pass by.  And, it doesn’t hurt that I have been wanting to try some of tarte’s new lash products!

Until March 31st, 2009, if you purchase one of tarte’s lash couture products, such as their:

• lights, camera, lashes! 4-in-1 natural mascara,
• 4 day stay lash stain with Polyflexâ„¢ technology
• lash hugger eco-friendly natural mascara
• bottoms up lower lash mascara
• emphaseyes high definition eye pencil
• indelible wink liquid liner & shadow

You will receive tarte’s picture perfect eyelash curler free (a $15 value)!  Just enter the special promo code:  “CURLER” at checkout, offer expires 3.31.09.

DecoDiva created a stunning Green and Silver Eye that you could create this New Years Eve, or any evening where to really want to “knock their socks off!”  This is her step-by-step tutorial to walk you through this look.  And if you are on a budget – no worries, Aromaleigh and Meow Cosmetics offer generous sample baggies of many of their products for just $1.  Now we can all afford to get a wonderful selection of cosmetics and get a chance to try this look  for ourselves!

Start with a clean, moisturized face.

1. Put on Eye Shadow Primer.  (Eyeshadow Primer and Base from Aromaleigh in Light)

2. Put some black shadow on the outer vee area and a little in the crease. I used MAC Paint Pot in Blackground.

3. Apply some silver eye shadow all over the eye area, from lash line to eyebrows. I used Aromaleigh Fume (25% off, now $6). (more…)

Okay, everyone always talks about making sure you have your “Basics” and about what products you should get to supplement your “Basics”. The thing is, if you’re just jumping into cosmetics, or if you’re looking to branch out a little, you may not be sure where to start. In a (possibly misguided) attempt to be helpful I give you: “Mo’s Rough Guide to The Basics.”

“The Basics”, in this case, refer to cosmetics only, not skincare. We’ll assume you have a decent regimen that includes good cleansing and moisturizing, because pointers on those things are a whole post on their own. Well cared for skin really is the first step to great makeup.  For simplicity sake, in this discussion we’re starting at a washed and prepped face. Everyone’s basics are different but similar. Personal preference, skin type, budget…all are factors and I’ll try to be as broad as possible to help you get an idea of what your basics should be. I’ll start with a very general category and then break it down a little to explain. (more…)

Celebrity makeup artist Chuck Hezekiah shares his top 10 beauty tips on working your mascara to its full potential.

We had the chance to sit down with Chuck Hezekiah, national makeup artist for Maybelline New York, who told us how to get perfect, clump-free lashes with almost any mascara. Read on to find out exactly how your mascara can work in more ways than one to save you time, guesswork and money.

View tips

In honor of BCA month Makeup Moxie is donating $1.00 (up to $100) to the American Cancer Society for each comment on her post and asks us the burning question:

“Have you found your “Holy Grail” mascara and, if so, what is it? If you haven’t found your Holy Grail Mascara, what is it that you’re still looking for in your quest for the perfect mascara?”

Personally, I am still searching for the ultimate mascara on the market. I don’t ask for much. My requirements would be a mascara that leaves your lashes feeling soft not stiff, adds beautiful natural-looking length, doesn’t flake or smudge, and doesn’t cause my eyes to itch or tear up.

I’m still searching for my holy grail of mascaras. As for drug store brands, I’d say Maybelline’s Full n Soft Mascara, and for a department store brand mascara, I would go with either Lola’s or Becca’s, but I reserve the right to change my mind!

I should have mentioned my fabulous experience while using Marini Lash. My lashes are looking so healthy and lovely right now, I could almost skip my mascara and when I do use mascara I get ultra-great results.

Be sure to visit Makeup Moxie’s site today and comment on your favorite mascara formula. A simple and wonderful way to donate to the BCA cause. You might even find some new mascara brands to covet! Thanks Makeup Moxie, we adore you!!!

Being a hazel-green eye gal myself, I have always been drawn to the purple and plum hues. And it’s only natural to be drawn to those colors. In a basic Art 101 course you are taught the concept of the color wheel and complimentary colors. The perfect compliment to green is purple. Have you ever noticed the great contrast these two colors have in a painting or in a stripe pattern on fabric?

So how smart of Benefit to launch a new shade of mascara to compliment hazel, brown, and green eye colors: Benefit’s Badgal Plum Mascara ($19)!

Intensify your natural eye color with BADgal plum. This rich, luxurious plum mascara brings out any eye color! If you wear brown mascara, this is your new brown! It’s the same famous BADgal lash formula & voluminous brush for lavishly long lashes.

Tips and tricks: Not sure what kind-a BADgal you were born to be? We’ll help you decide. If you want to warm up & intensify your pretty peepers, BADgal plum is for you. Can’t live without your black mascara? Add pretty plum to the tips of your lashes for a sweet & sexy lash look.

And no worries for you blue-eyed beauties, BADgal mascara in plum can also compliment your baby blues! However, now you have the three BADgal mascara colors to choose from: classic black, blue, and now ze plum! Lucky brown-eyed gals can look gorgeous in any of these shades too.

And don’t forget, you can receive free shipping now with any Benefit BADgal purchase, just enter BADGAL08 at checkout! If you spend over $50 you can also receive FREE US Standard Shipping, just remember to enter the promo code PRETTY50 at checkout.