There’s many different ways to depot eyeshadows, with or without heat. I personally use heat because it’s easier, and also I buy mostly pro pans these days, so I rarely have to depot anymore. But for those of you who are interested, I made a video showing how I depot my eyeshadows with a hair straightener.

BUT! Before you buy 6 eyeshadows to depot for another item, it’s actually not worth it to buy eyeshadows in pots specifically for depotting. Why? Let’s do the math!

(Let’s assume MACland has no tax)

1 lipstick/eyeshadow/lipglass =3D $14.
Pro pan eyeshadow =3D $10.50

So, 6 eyeshadows in pots: $14 x 6 =3D $84.
6 pro pan eyeshadows: $10.50 x 6 =3D $63
Total saving: $21

So if you purchase 6 pro pans, you save a total of $21, which is actually $7 more than the price of a lipstick/lipglass/eyeshadow. Make sense? If you were to purchase 6 eyeshadows in pots and recycle them for a free lipstick, you essentially spent $70, which is still $7 more than what you would’ve spent on pro pans.

However, if you don’t live near a freestanding store, you’re stuck with buying pots only, so it wouldn’t be a bad idea to depot them. Also, counters only offer lipsticks in exchange for 6 empties – select freestanding/pro stores will offer lipstick, lipglass, or eyeshadow (best to call your individual store and find out).

Phew! Glad this is a makeup blog and not a maths blog.

Tightlining is the method of filling in (and consequently, darkening) the stretches of skin at the roots of your upper lashes to give an illusion of thicker lashes without using mascara. It’s also a great alternative to the “no makeup” look as its less harsh/obvious than applying eyeliner on the upper lid. It’s a subtle, but noticeable difference.

Tools:
- eyeliner (any type you’re comfortable with; for this tutorial, I used a pencil)

STEP 1: Gently pull your eyelid up to expose the stretch of skin under your lashes (pink line). You can also gently push in at the edge of your eyeballs, but I don’t do that because it makes my vision weird. No matter which method you use, it helps to tilt your head back and look down into the mirror.

STEP 2: Take your liner, and getting as close to your lashes as you can, start lining. If this is your first time trying tightlining, use gentle strokes as your eyes may not be completely comfortable with this yet. Go over the line until it’s as dark as you want. Gel/liquid will give a more darker and vibrant effect, whereas pencil will be more subtle.

FINAL RESULTS

Some things:
- I make some pretty scary/hideous/unattractive faces when I put on makeup. But oh well, ’tis the way of life.
- It looks like I’m constantly flicking people off. I’m not! I had a bandaid on my forefinger and it was more convenient just to use the middle finger.
- Go ahead, laugh at my song choices. Teenybopper pop music is my guilty pleasure. :X

Look at the glow!! The glow is the kind of thing that makes me want to buy every single MSF ever released…except for those overpriced ones because there’s no way I’m paying $50+ for something, no matter how great it is!

My Cynthia Rowley and Coach bag. I use the Coach for everyday purposes, and the CR for traveling since it fits so many items. I’ve used it to carry everything in my purse, as well as the Coach bag and a GPS unit, haha.

Inside, we have:
Nintendo DS – I used to steal my boyfriend’s until he got tired of it disappearing on him, so I got one as well to play Mario Party together. I’m a nerd, I know.
Gum – Can’t be without it. That specific one is Mint Mojito, which is ggoooddddd.
Lip items – I have a lip balm in every single purse I own. I don’t carry a gloss with me everywhere, but I bring one sometimes just in case I need t. I’m always worried about it bursting open and spilling everywhere. :\
Coach wallet – pretty self explanatory.
Sunglasses – My Miu Miu ones that I use for driving. I’m guilty of squinting when it gets really bright, so I bring them with me in hopes of reducing squinting and my potentially dangerous driving habit. *knock on wood*
LG Chocolate – I love this phone! I had a crappy old thing for two years (it didn’t even have color!), so I was really glad to upgrade. Although it has more functions than I actually use, I still like it.
Car keys – vroom vroom. If you notice, I actually have those Pooh animal costume things on there (it’s a hamster). I used to have about 10 or so on there, but it got a little hectic when I had to take a key out, so they’re now hanging on my wall.
Candy – For those boring occasions.
Rubber bands – Miserable little things, but I have to have them for my braces.

I tag…I have no idea, lol. I know most of you ladies have already done a post, but if you haven’t, consider yourself tagged!

Note: I have no idea who this girl this. I came across a long time ago, and even then, it had been floating around for a while. So no source, sorry!
Beginning: No makeup, nada.

WHAT IS MINERAL MAKEUP?

Mineral makeup is made up of completely natural minerals, such as zinc, iron oxides, titanium oxide, bismuth oxychloride, mica etc. All these minerals are grinded finely into a power that can be applied with a makeup brush. By dusting the mineral powder all over your face, you can achieve a natural-looking layer that evens out your skintone, and can give a healthy glow due to properties of certain minerals. It contains no oil, perfume, dyes, alcohol, or other comedogenic (pore clogging) ingredients. In fact, Bare Minerals, one of the most well-known mineral makeup retailers, advertises their makeup as “So pure, you could sleep in it.” While I wouldn’t recommend sleeping in your makeup, their slogan hold an ounce of truth.

ADVANTAGES OVER “TRADITIONAL” MAKEUP

SPF

Mineral foundations all have natural SPF properties, but due to FDA guidelines, most companies cannot advertise a specific SPF rating. It doesn’t mean you should completely reply on mineral makeup for sun protection, but it’s a start.

Shelf Life
Most traditional makeup is either in liquid/cream form, or uses some type of bonding materials to hold it together*. As mineral makeup is a completely dry powder, it will essentially last forever until it gets wet. Since wet/liquid environments promote bacterial growth, you do not want to get your mineral makeup wet. It’s also why you should throw out mascara and/or liquid products after a certain period of time.

*MAC has a foundation called mineralized satinfinish (also as an MSF baked form), but the MA was quick to tell me that it’s not completely natural as they need to add certain ingredients to bond it together and turn it into a liquid. Take a look at the ingredients on liquid foundations as compared to mineral makeup!

Skin quality
Most users of mineral makeup report skin improvements after switching. This is because mineral makeup helps in blocking harmful UV rays, as well as providing coverage without the ingredients in traditional makeup that can irritate sensitive skin. Since everything is pure, it’s also non-comedogenic.

DISADVANTAGES OF MINERAL MAKEUP

Application
Mineral makeup generally comes in a powder form, which means that it can get messy when you apply it.

Really, that’s about all the advantages I can think of! I rarely break out these days, and a big part of it involves switching over to mineral makeup.

HOW TO APPLY MINERAL MAKEUP

Mineral makeup is a little different to apply than traditional foundation, but it really isn’t that much more difficult. If you’ve ever watched the Bare Minerals commercials late at night, this will be very familiar to you.

Step 1 (Optional): Primer
For people with oilier skin such as myself, I usually use a primer to prep my skin for the foundation so that it lasts all day (or at least a majority of the day). Make sure to let your primer/moisturizer completely sink in before applying your mineral foundation, as any moist patches can cause the powder to stick and get blotchy.

Step 2: Foundation
Pour a small amount of foundation into the lid of the container, or any simila surface. Swirl your brush (what brush? Read below!) in the powder until you have an even coating on top of the brush. Tap the brush a few times to remove any excess powder, and start “buffing” it into your skin.

Step 3: Buffing & Concealing
Buffing involves using small circular motions to blend the foundation into your skin. For problem areas or small areas, you can use a concealer brush to apply a heavier layer. Keep adding powder until you get your desired coverage.

Step 4: Blush
Applying blush uses the same technique as mentioned above. Make sure the blush powder is distributed evenly otherwise you’ll get a super pigmented spot on your face!
TIP: If the blush is too pigmented, add foundation on top to even things out a bit.

BRUSHES FOR MINERAL MAKEUP

There are several types of brushes that can be used, but the general rule of thumb is that brushes with dense bristles will give a nicer coverage.

(Picture courtesy of runtagua on MUA)
L-R: Alima #25, Alima #25 (new), EM flat top, EM kabuki

Alima #25 ($27)
I own the older version version of this brush, but it’s the best brush that I’ve tried. I’ve tried numerous kabukis and flat-tops, but Alima’s the only one that gives a flawless coverage. It’s actually synthetic, even though it doesn’t look like it. Either way, it’s a soft yet dense brush that gives the right coverage. To me, it’s like a mixture of a kabuki and flat-top – it’s not as round or fluffy as a kabuki, but not as flat either. The only issue is that since it’s so dense, it takes a while to dry.

EM Flat Top ($10)
Mine is coming in the mail, but I’ve heard a lot of good things about this brush. The general consensus is that while Alima #25 is still more preferable, the flat top is worth it considering the price difference. Since it’s dense, it’ll provide more coverage.

EM Kabuki ($10)
A standard kabuki brush, but with a long handle. I don’t have this version, but I have the standard kabuki (which seems to have disappeared from the website?). My kabuki has a bit of a problem with shedding, but since I didn’t pay full price for it (bought it in a kit), it’s not bad. I still like a denser brush for more coverage, but kabukis work. MAC’s 182 is a kabuki brush, and quite possibly the softest thing I’ve ever tested. It’s expensive at $45, but definitely worth the splurge if you wish.

EDIT: Thanks Sherlock for the following information!
“Avoid mineral makeup products that contain Bismuth (a by-product of lead & copper processing, and itchy to a lot of people), talc or parabens (linked to breast cancer). None of these products are necessary, they’re just fillers to bulk up the product. The most pure mineral makeup will only contain mica, iron oxide, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Those will be the best quality. ”

There are many, many retailers that sell mineral makeup. Below is a list of a majority of brands that exist (most e-tailers). Most offer sample programs, so it’s definitely worth a try!
Key: bold = well-known, * = I’ve tried

What’s the purpose of foundation?
Foundation (along with concealer) are used to create an image of flawless skin. Not everyone has perfect skin, and for those that do, you probably will not need foundation very often, or even at all. There are many different types of foundation, and some are suited for specific skin types.

Liquid, Creme, or Powder?
First, you have to assess your skin type. Do you have normal, oily, dry, or combo skin? Each type of foundation works better for certain skin types, so knowing your skin type is one step closer to finding the right foundation for you.

Liquid – Liquid foundation is suitable for all skin types. Available in a variety of coverage (sheer to heavy), it’s the most popular and widely used foundation. Tinted moisturizers are also available, which is a sheer liquid foundation combined with moisturizer. You can also sheer out the coverage of heavier liquids by mixing it with tinted moisturizer.
Application: Sponge, foundation brush, or even fingers (if you’re in a pinch). Dot your face with the foundation, and then blend out DOWNWARDS with your chosen applicator. The reason why you want to blend downwards is because if you go against the growth of the tiny hairs on your face, it’ll show.
Examples: MAC Studio Fix Fluid, MAC Select SPF 15, Chanel TI, Armani LSF

Creme – Creme foundation offers the heaviest coverage, and comes in stick and compact form. Due to its creme and moisturizing nature, creme foundation is good for dry skin. Oily skin should stay away from creme foundation as the oils in the skin can mix with the foundation and cause it to oxidize (turn darker/orange).
Application: Sponge or foundation brush. Swipe the applicator in the foundation, then apply to face.
Example: MAC Studio Tech, MAC Full Coverage, Benefit Play Sticks

Powder – Recommended for oily or combo skin, powder foundation absorbs oil. You have to be careful with powder foundation because if you do not let your moisturizer/primer dry before applying the powder, you’ll get darker patches due to the powder sticking with the wetness of the moisturizer. So make sure to let your moisturizer dry properly before applying foundation. There are also creme-to-powder foundations available – they look/feel like creme, and dry to a powdery finish. Powder is very easy to apply, hence why some people prefer it.
Application: Powder brush, or foundation brush. A powder brush will look more natural as it will distribute the powder or evenly, and the foundation brush will give a heavier coverage.
Example: MAC Studio Fix, mineral makeup, Clinique Perfectly Real.

All types of foundation with the exception of powder, can be set with a powder on top to prolong wear. Although most foundations come with an SPF factor, it’s ideal to wear sunscreen underneath if you plan to be outdoors for a prolonged period of time.

Color Selection
One of the hardest part of picking a foundation is color matching. If you’ve ever tried EM’s sample kits, you’ll understand how frustrating it is to find a matching color. The best (and easiest) thing to do is to go to a makeup counter in a department store and get the MA to find a match for you (it is, after all, their job). I have yellow undertones that make it hard to find a match in traditional high-end makeup brands (e.g. Lancome, Estee Lauder etc.), so I usually venture to brands like Shisedo, or Shu. I do like MAC because they have such a wide variety of colors that it’s often hard not to find a match.

General tips:
1. Understand the undertones of your skin! If you have yellow undertones and pick a foundation with pink undertones, you will see the mismatch as soon as you put it on.
2. Since no one has perfect and even skintone, the place to match your foundation is on your cheeks and out towards your jawline.
3. Pick 3 shades: one that you think you are, one lighter, and one darker shade. Apply those in a stripe on your cheek next to each other, and let it sink in for a few minutes. Once it’s sunk in, you can start to see what looks too dark, too yellow/pink, or just right.
4. Take a look at yourself in natural lighting, or photos without flash. The SPF factor in foundations will make your face look whiter in reaction to the flash.

Skin Tones
WARM
- Your skin has yellow undertones
- You look better in ivory than white
- You tan well, and does not usually burn
- Your veins have a greenish tint
- You look better in gold jewelry

COOL
- You have pink undertones
- You don’t really tan, and burn under the sun
- You look better in silvery jewelry
- Your veins have a bluish tint
- You look better in white instead of ivory

NEUTRAL
- You don’t fit into warm or cool category
- You have soft beige undertones with either yellow or pink (not very prominent)
- You may look good in both gold/silvery jewelry, as well as white/ivory

Problem Skin
Those with problem skin may be tempted to use a full face of foundation to cover the problem areas. The best choice is to actually let your skin breathe by using foundation only when you need it (with the exception of mineral makeup). Using foundation covers your pores, which makes it hard for your skin to breathe. However, if foundation is necessary, try something that is water-based. The downside with water-based foundations is that they do not last very long, but applying a layer of powder over them will cause it to last longer. Make sure to find products labeled as “noncomedogenic”, as they do not clog your pores and will not worsen your skin condition. As a tip, anything labeled as “oil free” or “oil controlling” will usually be water based.

Makeupalley is a great resource for finding color matches in different brands, as well as this wonderful website. Department stores (and some drugstores) have a great return policy for mismatched shades, so use that to your advantage in trying to pick out a color. If it initially works great but then looks bad after a few days, go back and exchange it for a different color.

Everyday Minerals

Concealer brush – I haven’t used it yet, but it looks pretty good. It has stiff, but soft bristles that are ideal for powder concealer, and will probably work on cream/liquid concealer as well.
Flat-top brush – I love this foundation brush. I didn’t have high expectations for it (only $10?), so when I used it, I was pleasantly surprised. It kind of reminds me of the MAC 187 brush in theory, but the bristles are denser which makes putting on the foundation much easier. It’s also really soft, so it doesn’t scratch my face. I’ve only used it a few times, but I’m starting to think that it might be better than my Alima #25 brush…
Mixing bowls – These bowls are worth it! For only $4, you get a set of 5. I was expecting a generic quality plastic bowl, but they’re actually very solid and high-quality (as well as heavy!). They’re made from melamine, which to be honest, I have no idea what it is, but Google tells me that it’s usually used in kitchen products, which makes sense.
Blushes – I love them all! New Car Smell is very light, but highly pigmented. The shimmery ones can be too much for some people, but I love shimmer so it works for me.

CCO/MAC

I stopped by the CCO the other day, and they had a lot of Rushmetal pigments. I ended up only getting Off The Radar (similar to Firespot e/s from Moonbathe) and Sweet Sienna ($13.75 each!). Sweet Sienna is pretty, but I don’t think it’s that amazing. I was estatic to find the Pandamonium quad since it’s a gorgeous quad and I’ve been wanting a backup. The 242 was a great deal! I almost bought it from MAC for $28, but they had one left for $15.75.

Aaannnddd I filmed a tutorial, but I’m not quite sure yet if I want to put it up. The lightning wasn’t the greatest, so I’ll have to see if I can adjust it, or just re-film it. Stay tuned!

USED (all MAC unless otherwise noted)

USED
Eyes:
Goldspice Metal-X eyeshadow (lid)
Tempting e/s (lower half of lid)
Blacktrack fluidline
Blackgraph Technakohl (for waterline)
Vanilla pigment (highlight)

Face:
Lancome Aqua Fusion Teinte SPF 15 (01)
EM Tinted Silk Dust
MAC Glissade MSF

Lips:
Mark Blossom gloss (similar to Smashbox O-Glow, but for lips…aka useless, ha)

I don’t normally bother contouring, but without contouring, I feel like a missing member of the Chipmunks.

The MAC Originals collection is here!

To be quite honest, this collection is not all that impressive. The one thing that is, however, is the highly coveted Parrot eyeshadow. I had the original Parrot that was released with Salsabelle, but decided it wasn’t my color, and swapped it off. Now that Parrot is being re-released, I got 4…yeah, I know. I figured that I could either give them as gifts, or keep them until they get insanely coveted like Pleasureflush or So Ceylon MSF.

Anyway, the Originals collection is comprised of best-selling MAC items that are either discontinued, or are old-school MAC. Most are not available in the regular MAC collection (although the pigments [with the exception of Kitschmas] are available at PRO stores regularly), so it is a chance to own some nice original MAC items if you’re interested. I might stop by the counter and take a look later, but I’ve already got my Parrot, so I’m good.

Onto the FOTON! (face of the other night)

Face (MAC unless otherwise stated):
Studio Fix Powder in NC30
Blushbaby blush (on apples)
NARS Laguna bronzer (contour, in hollow of cheeks)
Alima Melon blush (between apple and hollow of cheek)
Petticoat MSF
New Vegas MSF
Pearl Sunshine beauty powder (responsible for the glimmer on my cheeks)

Eyes:
(4) Cloudbound e/s (pale yellow from Pandamonium quad)
(3) Steamy e/s
(2) Teal pigment
(1) Pandamonium e/s (gunmetal black from Pandamonium quad)
(5) Lustreleaf e/s
Wet ‘n’ Wild liquid liner
Ardell 110s
NYX Doll Eyes mascara (in the up close photos)
(The numbers corresponds to the area of the eye in the diagram.)

Lips:
Varneesh lacquer

I got Alima “Melon” blush as a sample a long time ago, and never used it until now. It’s beautiful to use as a blush, or as a contour, which works for me since I’m too lazy most of the time to apply blush and contour unless I’m going out.

The Wet ‘n’ Wild liquid liner isn’t too bad for $3, but I’m sure there’s something better. I bought it to try my hand at liquid liner (most “liquid” I’ve used is gel liner), and it lasts for an hour or so before it starts flaking/smudging. But, if you’ve never used liquid liner before, it’s worth a shot – the only thing I didn’t like was that the brush tip is solid. With most liquid liners, they have a sponge tip that allows you to apply thin or thick lines, but these WnW ones have a solid tip which do not bend or have any give, so it takes a bit to get used to.