Vincent Longo New Essentials Collection for Fall/Winter 2011 Review & Swatches

I really adore when a brand launches a collection and I love every single product. That's usually the case when it comes to Vincent Longo products. I'm constantly blown away by the pigments, long-wear and the gorgeous colors of his line. His new essentials collection for Fall/Winter 2011 is no different. You can read about that launch here. Let's take a closer look...

Seen above are the velour pressed powders ($28). I tried Light #2 and Warm #4. These colors are definitely shades for me. Light #2 is a bit too light for me now, but I'm sure once we get more into winter, it'll be perfect. Warm #4 is almost perfect, but just a tad too yellow for my complexion. I used it a setting powder and for touch-ups throughout the day. I find that the shades are quite light, so I'm hoping for more shades in the future. I believe they are not meant as a foundation to be wore alone, but as a setting powder. They wore really well on me. It's really meant to add radiance and create a smooth finish, which it did.

E.L.F. Studio Tone Correcting Powder Review & Swatches

I opted to try E.L.F.'s tone correcting powder after reading some fabulous reviews. I tend to get very flushed in my face and figured why not try a product that's meant to keep your complexion balanced and radiant. The E.L.F. Studio Tone Correcting Powder ($3) has four colors: blue that neutralizes orange, green that neutralizes red, pink that neutralizes grey and yellow that brightens. I found that the product worked decently as a setting powder and a touch-up, but the color when applied heavily was extremely pale. You definitely need to be gentle and light with the application or else you'll get a completely pale face. My recommendation is to use with a fan brush.

 Have you ever tried E.L.F. products?

Too Faced's New Smokey Eye Shadow Collection

The question I get asked most often is what's the best way to create the perfect smokey eye. As a makeup artist I know that their are tons of different smokey eyes that can be created. It's really about what kind of smokey eye you'd like; the colors, the type, the mood. This is where Too Faced comes to the rescue. Too Faced is known for their fun kits with easy to use instructions. They just recently launched their new smokey eye kit, so I decided to check it out.

Top row

Second Row

Third Row

What I love about this kit is the array of colors. It's not just for that "classic" smokey eye. You can create smokey eyes with color like blue, purple, and silver. You can even create a "natural" smokey eye using the entire top row. My favorite color of the bunch is firefly, which is the first color in the palette. It's a silvery taupe color and I have nothing like it in my collection.

Retail: $36 at Too Faced, Sephora & Ulta

Have you ever tried Too Faced Cosmetics?

Be Soap Opera Ready With The Balm & The Beautiful Palette

I have been a lover of The Balm's products for quite some time now. I became hooked once I tried one of their eye-shadows. The pigments are super creamy, long-lasting and gorgeous. What's not to love?! I was ecstatic when I found out about their upcoming palette launch for "The Muppet Palette." I even made the list to order one of the 1000 limited edition palettes. Then I heard that The Balm launched the exact same palette with the same exact colors called "The Balm & The Beautiful" and it could be found at TJ Maxx. Being my discount savy self, I ran over and found the palette for $19.99 (oh yes!) + some other cosmetic discount goodies.

Top Row of Eyeshadows

Second Row of Eyeshadows

Third Row of Eyeshadows

Fourth Row of Eyeshadows

Lip-glosses

This palette was a steal and if you have a TJ Maxx near you, I definitely recommend going and seeing what Balm products they carry. The one in the city carried The Balm single eye-shadow pigments, bronzer, palettes and their entire skin care line.

Have you ever purchased products from The Balm?

Be Guilt-Free With Josie Maran's New Fall 2011 Collection -- Part 2

Josie Maran Mascara: I have Josie's other mascara, which kept my lashes very soft & natural. This mascara gave me dramatic, full lashes. It extended my lashes out and I could feel that it was also conditioning them. It took my lashes to another level.  Retail is $22.

(Disclosure: All products seen above for sent for consideration)

Argan Oil Brow Marker + Powder Duo: I love the color of this product and it's also versatile. It fills the brows very easily and has powder. Together, it makes for the perfect natural brow. Josie's tip is to use the marker to fill any sparse areas and then use the powder to shape to your desire. Retail is $27.

Lastly, I have the REM 2-1 Argan Eye Shadow & Gel Liner in two shades: Purple & Brown. The REM pens are really fun and easy to use. It took a minute or so to get used to taking off the cap and dipping it in and then taking the eyeshadow on the other end and using it. I eventually got in the groove of things and I'm excited to try some new looks with this product. Retail is $32.

So you take off the bottom and then dip the brush in here to use the liner.

The Brown REM pen is my favorite. I love the almost taupe like brown color of the liner as well as the matte shadow. Perfect for a natural eye with a pop of winged eyeliner.

I definitely recommend Josie Maran products to anyone looking for anything new that works. It's a great line with many products that work for everyone. I love that they have no limits on who can use it and that it infuses skin care with coverage. What more could you want? All products are available for purchase at Josie Maran or Sephora.

Have you ever used Josie Maran?