Deets on my City Color Cosmetics haul.

Hey Guys... 
Makeup Makeup Makeup!!! Of course I have been watching YouTube videos... as always and I came across a brand called City Color Cosmetics!! I watched a few videos and I was sold!!  I am a makeup junkie... I just can't stop. But at least I am using it more now!!! Anyway, I checked out the website and found A LOT OF STUFF!!! The prices are amazing and the products a not that bad either! Once I got everything unpacked I decided to use a couple of the products for a look... 95% of them were great. The Curl Mascara just didn't work out to be what I wanted. I did like the brush tho... but the product wasn't what I like in a mascara.  I did a haul video for these, but I forgot a few items. The Smokey palette and the Be Matte blush in Blood Orange. 

 The Smokey palette has 12 small circular eyeshadows.  Looks like 2 mattes, 3 satins and the rest are like a velvet or frost. 2 double ended sponge applicators are included. This palette doesn't have a mirror... but that looks like the only thing that is missing. I did mini test of the colors and they are pretty opaque (I used the sponge apps... which normally sucks in the color so I am excited for when I use a brush) I should have taken these pictures next to items so you could tell the size, but since I didn't I will tell you that this palette is about the size of an iPhone 5. 

The Intense Blush Quad in collection 2 is the coral quad. All 4 are super pigmented!!  Use a smaller brush tho. Just because these are a bit powdery. A round flat brush like the MAC 109 or Sonia Kashuk brush like this will do nicely!! I totally plan on getting the other 3 collections. This collection feels smooth, finger swatches are good on even bare skin. Of course the colors will not be this pigmented on the cheek with a round brush... but you could surely build up the color to where you would want it. The deep coral one is really interesting!

Listen I wish I could tell you that this is a quad to travel with.... but it's just soo big!!  See my video to see this puppy next to my face.  Watch my haul video on YouTube to see. Speaking of the video I forgot to show two products The Smokey palette and then the Be Matte blush in Blood Orange. Just the name is interesting enough.  I haven't tried this blush on the face yet, but I put a brush to it and applied to the back of my hand. It runs a bright coral color.  I need to start wearing this soon for it's all most the end of the summer. Not saying you couldn't wear this all year around, but alone.. I think mid September is the max.  Well that is it for this post... I hope you guys watch my video below to hear more thoughts and visit the City Color website!!!

NOTES: I purchased all of these products. These are my true thoughts of the products so far.
~JES

2 new makeup items... thoughts and reviews coming soon!

Have you tried either of these yet? 

MAC Hey, Sailor!! Haul and overview

High-light Powder: Crew

                     I went to the Hey, Sailor unveiling event last night at MAC! I had a blast!! The hors d'oeuvres were cute with sea themes, the drinks looked yummy and lagoon colored! There was a tap dancer and sailor boys doing tattoos!  I wanted to share a few pictures of products and some of the event!! I will have a video up by this afternoon showing everything I got!! My Best friend and I arrived at 7pm... Thank goodness it had stopped raining by then, cause there was a sizable line at the door! As we entered, the tap dancer started her thing... See looked just like the visual except she was a blonde!! All the staff was decked(haa haa no pun intended) out in cute sailor hats, gold accents, and vintage looking skirts!  Music was blasting and everyone was testing, swatching, eating, getting tattooed, and having a good time!! Full reviews of these newbies will be out within the week!! This MAC collection comes out in the USA on May 24th!!  Here are the goodies I picked up!! Enjoy!

Photos: All photos are by JESmakeup

It's been a long time so.... GIVEAWAY!

It has been a few weeks since I posted... and I wanted to come back with a BANG!! So I will be doing a Youtube and BlogSpot Sigma Makeup/Brushes Giveaway!!! I want to try and make it ask simple as possible to win... and that the winner is REALLY into makeup!!

Ok so here it is.... For the Sigma Eyeshadow Palette in Flare!!

1. Subscribe to this Blog

2. Then comment on this post letting me know ... why you like makeup!!

3. On your Facebook* and or Twitter* Post this:

"I just entered @JESmakeup 's Sigma Giveaway on her blog http://jesmakeup4e1.blogspot.com/ "

That is it!!!

Please if you are on Facebook let me know.... friend me also Jes Kets!! I have a Youtube Giveaway coming too... with more Sigma stuff and more than one winner!!!

*If you don't have FB or Twitter you can still enter... just do the 1st 2 steps!!

Pumped for Summer!

So I just jumped on Style.com, which is a great place for inspiration. And I clicked on the Trends+Shopping tab (I was reading a tweet from Pursebuzz that got me looking)... so up pops In The Mood For:Pumps. I am guess it's trending for summer... which I have to say I am happy about(one less pedi!) This got me thinking about makeup, colors, and thoughts about what to wear as per season.

What do you all think about this trend... closed toed pumps for the summer? What do you think about makeup trends per season... which ones do you "break"? Let me know... and tell me your about your fav pair of heels!
~JES

photo link: www.thisnext.com/tag/jana-feifer/

Lip Tattoos (Temporary)

So I have been seeing all this buzz on Twitter about the newest trend in makeup... The Lip Tattoo. Hmm... really. I have to say I haven't seen this look in person, nor have I tried it myself(outside of editorial)... but I really can't see this used as an everyday look!! Or even a special event past a costume party, theme day, or theme party. I mean why would I want rainbow lips to go the club(maybe I am too old for the clubs now) You might be saying... "Doesn't she do nail art...?" I am not against it, never against someone doing something different, creative, or fun... but doing on your own.

I will be watching this trend for sure... and maybe I will have to eat my words... or lick my lips!
picture credit: http://www.violentlips.com/collections/crazy-for-colors
~JES

BillBoard

So I wanted to share that my work has been featured on a BillBoard! I am super excited and I will take a picture of it soon and post it!!!

Picture of products used for the new Twitter picture

Some Key products....

* Sweet & Punchy e/s MAC

* Eve Pearl Anti- Shine Gel in Dark

* E.L.F. e/s Amethyst

* Johnny Lavoy's 9X9 loose pigment JL07
* NW45 Studio Finish concealer

* Hepcat e/s MAC

* Brow pencils Stud MAC and Dark Brown NYX

* Pencil Me in Cosmetics

* Covergirl liquiline blast (no color name.. but a deep plum)
* Paper flowers from Michaels

* Mineral Illuminator from DEX New York

* ColorStay liquid liner in black

* Lash Mixing medium MAC Pro

If you see anything you want to know what it is... let me know!!!! Thanks for hanging in there everyone!!! Here are a few more pictures I hope you all enjoy. Remember... " Makeup is Art. Make it Your Own!" ~JES

Share some of your fun makeup looks!!!

Follow me on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/JESmakeup

A.E.R Walk with Style.... a look backstage.

The A.E.R Walk With Style event went off without a hitch!! The Lovely Victoria Stiles invited me to work on her makeup crew for the 2nd year!!!! Makeup was provided by Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics(OCC )... David Klasfeld hooked up the crew with the full line of airbrush foundations, mixing medium, 2 wonderful pigments, and the created just for the A.E.R event new Memento Lip Tar!!!

There were some heavy hitters backstage.... Victoria of course was the key (head) makeup artist, along with Koren of EnKoreMakeup, Brandalyn , Stacey of Stacey Ford makeup, Ivette of Girlcanpaint , Brooke and myself!! Along with 2 super cool photographers Dan Stiles and Bryan Viper, both hooked us up last year too!! Brushes, makeup, and laughs were bouncing around the small makeup room!! I think we all had a great time!! You could tell that giving back is something all of the artist share. We tackled a small group of models this year.... with some even returning!! My model Micaela was part of the 1st AER event and came back this year.

So let me tell you what we did!! It's all about the skin and prep makeup people!!!! I wiped down Micaela's face with MAC wipes, using clean hands(which I like and wish I did more) I applied MAC Studio Moisture Fix lotion paying attend to around the nose and under the lip area. Next I moved on to priming the skin with like half pump of MAC's Skin Base. While that was setting in I mixed the OCC Mixing Medium/Skin Primer with the liquid Airbrush foundation. The ratio was about 3 to 1. Then like I always do... I attacked the skin with 2 brushes flat foundation brush(like a 190) and buffed it in easyly with MAC's 131 brush.... soooo smooth!!! I am in love with the OCC foundation! Next I used my Coastal Scents concealer palette's 2 lightest shades to blend a perfect concealer... just to hit a few spots. I think I used my fingers for that step and re buffed with the 131.

Next the eyes!!! Eyes were prepped also. I used MAC's Fast Responses Eye Cream around the eyes, and while that was setting I scooped out some of MAC's Paintely paint pot as a soft base. The paint pot was applied with a soft concealer brush. David gave us 2 really pretty shades of Loose Color Concentrates Oberon and Brasstacks. Victoria had us blend the lighter shade Oberon with a fluffy brush on the brow bone and down to the cheek highlight area. This color is super pretty and has a pink opal sheen to it... gorg!! Next, in true Victoria fashion we swept Brasstacks from lash line to just above the crease, blurring out all lines and moved the color towards the outer corner in a square finish. Soft black/deep brown for the liner I used a mix of MAC's Embark, MAC's Mulch, and borrowed from Brooke her MAC Carbon to create the look. This combo was used on the lower lash line as well... concentrating the color on the outer corner and pulling down. Mascara of course... I used my trusty CoverGirl Remarkable mascara.

Now the cheeks were a treat. We used the OCC Liptar color Memento. Here's a tip when using the Liptars as cheek color. OK.... LESS IS MORE!! Wow this stuff is awesommmmme! I squeezed out a drop onto my palette, then with my ring finger I touched the drop and worked it up on the palette! Then after I worked it out on the palette I used my cleaned ring finger on the "worked" Liptar and tapped it on the cheek bone. Just in 3 spots apple, center, and near hair line. Then with my pointer finger I blended it! The OCC Mixing medium and MAC Prep & Prime Base really helped the tar move and blend easily over the skin. The finish was a flush on the cheeks. Then right on to the lips. Lips were prepped at the beginning with good ol' ChapStick! I took the rest of the Liptar from the palette and filled in the lips with it. No liner needed and the finish was satin matte. Here's the finish.

One other super super SUPER special thing that happened at the AER Walk for Style event... I got to meet... JAMES VINCENT!!!!!!!

Well that was it for the makeup!! Watch out for the video on my youtube for the slideshow of the event!!! With more pictures of the event, the clothing, celebs, shoes, and other backstage madness!!!

Special Thanks to Victoria Stiles of Victoria Stiles Makeup, Dan Stiles and Bryan Viper for the photos, David of OCC for the makeup, and James Vincent for the kiss & awe!!

FTC: Please see site disclaimer.

I was playing with Makeup

This is what I came up with!

Short lashes? Prep + Prime them

Check Disclaimer

Ok so I had to stop doing a makeup look after I did my mascara... cause I was just that impressed. Background.... this is not my first purchase of MAC's Prep + Prime lash, but it was the first time since I have been a makeup artist. I knew about it... but since working in the store I hear all the other Artist reaching for it and using it on customers and clients. So I thought... JES, let's re-visit this product. SOOOO glad I did!!

WOW... ok so the science: this is an emollient based primer that does it all! Curls the lashes, thickens them, and also adds length. As with any sort of primer this prepares the lashes for any mascara, and is formulated to work well with all the MAC mascaras. Infused with Vitamin E to strengthen the lashes... and over time you will see more lashes and longer because they are conditioned.

What I like to do:
Ok, I do my face and eye makeup. I apply one full coat let it set and then apply more just on the tips of the lashes... I have done this up to 4 coats without looking too spidery... you might need to comb the lashes a bit. After the primer is just about clear (maybe do your blush and lips while the coats tack up) then I apply 1 coat of my mascara. Lately I have been using MAC's Studio Fix Lash which I love cause of the formed wand (similar to CoverGirl's Lash Blast, but a smaller wand head). Then wa-la... lengthily lashes!!!

And don't worry you contact lens wearers it's all good! Retails for $14 US. Let me know your thoughts about this products and have you tried anything else like this?

So much going on!!

Sorry everyone!! So much has been going on since the beginning of this month... my poor blog and you all have missed out! I'll try to recap as much as I can.

Ok so most of you know I got a part time job with MAC!! WOOT WOOT!! That doesn't mean I will be all about them in my videos, tweets, or blog post... But it means I will be able to share more than just eyeshadow colors and lipsticks. Skincare is the base of any great makeup!! And this company has more than a few great skincare products!! Even though a lot of people know about these products... there are many uses for them!! And everyone wants more for the money right?!? RIGHT.
Also, I am over the moon for Maybelline's Color Sensational lipsticks... I have 6 so far!! They are super pigmented, true color, creamy... they are dreams!!! Here are the swatches of the ones I have so far.

So I had training for my new job for 5 days! It was intense... boy!!! WOW... so much to learn... like I said before... more than just eyeshadows, lipsticks, and paintpots!!! At the end I was even MORE excited to work... nothing beats being prepared for a job with all the training. One of the best parts of training.... THE PEOPLE... AWESOME!!! All levels of artists were there... so if you are a semi beginner or a independent freelancer... you can work your magic. I have heard a lot of people say they stayed away from applying at MAC because of the 5 day in a row training session that you have to take. #1 most people start in store or at counter WEEKS before they go to training. #2 if you miss a day you just have to make it up before you can get certified. #3 I'm about 95% sure travel and food is PAID for. So, talk to your local Counter mgr or Freestanding store mgr when you pick up your application. Another thing I loved about training... it wasn't stressful at all... of course you're being watched and it's like school... but it's safe! Everyone is learning and everyone really wants to be there... from the trainers, to the visiting Execs, and artist from different locations.

So my 2 spotlight products of the week:

MAC Wipes and Maybelline Color Sensational lipsticks

Wipes
If the wipes feel too rough for you here's a hint(I learned years ago) with the package closed... store wipes upside down! Keeps even the top wipe moist. That roughness is the sugar embedded in the cloth. Also some people say the skin feels too moist after using the wipes... That's product that helps remove all makeup and prep skin for the next look quickly

Lipstick
48 pigment rich shades! I've never loved a drugstore lip product as much as I love this!! And you can find coupons online and in the Sunday newspapers!! The honey nectar that feeds the lips doesn't add a scent or stickiness. Look above for the swatches of the 6 I own! Find your shade here!

Soooo that was a lot! Remember I have that contest coming up as soon as I reach 2,000 subs on my youtube channel!! The prizes.. I already did a video for!! and the POT IS GROWING!!! So I hope you all sub and tell your friends!! Most likely it will be after the Christmas/ December holidays so you might get an extra Holiday Gift of MAKEUP!! WOOT WOOT

Maybelline prop pic: Fashion Daily Mag

MAC wipes picture credit: sabrinamae.com/blog/?tag=mac-makeup

Fashion Week NYC 2009: The Hillary Flowers show

Hey all! So as you may know I worked the Hillary Flowers Fashion Week 2009 fashion show on September 10th. The show started at 11pm and was awesome.... I will have some more pictures when the event photos are up on Hillary's site. The clothes were amazing, the models were great, the space was tight but 100% fun! I got to meet some great people and also see some familiar faces!

Girlcanpaint aka Ivette and I worked the show together. I found the listing Hillary put out for her show, and I signed up and then told Ivette about it! It was great having a friend there! Then in walked Nicole, a fellow makeup artist I met back on May 2nd at the FDU fashion show!!! So it was a great night altogether. We each created 3 models looks.

I have 2 more events this Fall Fashion Week! I can't wait to tell you all more about them! Details coming soon!!

Follow me on twitter for all the updates: JESmakeup

~JES

Pan-Stik it

I've heard of these Pan-Stiks a while ago... but since hearing about Max Factor leaving our shelves next year(read my post). I wanted to try these out and if it was all good stock up!!! I found these at my local Walmart for $5 on sale... retail price is from $5.95 to $10. I have to say first the color range is VERY VERY limited. These are for my Makeup Artist kit only. There are 8 shades ranging from 101 Natural to 137 Suntone. Let me also say... Max Factor in fact has products for deeper tones!! Just not in this formulation. Check out the Color Genius line for 2 Honey tones!

Ok back to the sticks.... creamy and easy to blend... soft scent. Blends like a dream!

If you're looking for a cream foundation in stick form for the coming fall and winter months and these are in your color range... check them out!!!

stats:

size: .5 oz (14 g)

colors: 8 shades

contains: Mineral oil, Kaolin,Carnauba wax, Beeswax, Paraffin, Ozokerite, Fragrance, Propylparaben, Sorbic Acid, Methylparaben, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides.

Made in the USA of US and Imported Parts

Can apply with: Brush(full), Damp Sponge(sheer), or Fingers [clean :) ]

price range: $5.95 to $10 depending on market

Check this and other Max Factor products at WWW.MaxFactor.com

~JES

Another eye Primer to Love!

So it's no guess that I love bright colors on my eyes!! One of the best ways to make your eye shadows really pop is adding an eye primer to your makeup routine! Along with a base or all alone eye primers really help add depth to all of your eye shadows from the dollar store lines to the highest of high ends! I have to say, I have more than a few eye primers I love using... but Tarte Cosmetics "Lifted" Natural Eye Primer with Firmtol is... well AMAZING!!!

"Lifted" comes in a convented tube very similar to most lipglosses and has a flocked tip. You might be asking "with Firmtol"... what is that? Via Tarte's website this is a formula that tightens the eyelid skin in up to 51% of the users and in as little as 10 mins after applying! After reading this I wanted to try this out... and the best way(for my skin tone) is to use a lighter color. So I applied the Lifted Natural Eye Primer with Firmtol and then Stila's Slate eyeshadow (might be discounted) all over the lid and blended up. Added a few more touches and this is the outcome. I have to say I don't have issues with my eyelid area, but the skin did feel a bit smoother and that color didn't go anywhere!! The product is riddled with natural plant extracts like: ginseng root and portulaca oleracea. Just as it's filled with the good ... Tarte has taken out the other stuff ... leaving Lifted Natural Eye Primer free of : dyes, talc, paraben, and gluten. If you're in the market for a new or another primer give this one a test.

Priced at $20(see below) for .11 fl. oz ... also the shelf life for this product is 6 months. Products used so close to the open body(ie. the eye) just like mascaras and most wet products have a shorter the shelf life for safety reasons.

Ok are you ready for the gift!! Tarte Cosmetics is having Friends and Family discount of 40% off!!!!!! Hello that is a savings!! Here's the code FF09 (like 2009) the discount is until the 24th of this month! Plus free shipping on orders over $60!! Enjoy shopping!!

~JES

Sephora Fall 09

If you haven't seen the catalog yet... oh boy. It is filled with some great ideas for Fall. I can't say it's all original I mean a Cat eye is a Cat eye is a... well Cat eye, but I guess it's always fun to revisit a favorite. Some of the items I've been excited about are those color tipped brushes. I mean just to have one. And I bet you can all guess which color I'm aiming for... yep the deep purple!! So, I was out and about yesterday... and I got to the mall. 3 things to say about that trip I finally saw in person the MAC's ColorCraft collection and well let's just say there is no Haul video coming on Youtube. Next thing Sephora did not have any of those funky brushes in-store for me to look at. 3rd I asked really in jest, my Sephora is sort of small, if they had any of the Lauren Luke stuff... the SA looked at me like I had 3 heads!!! I can't understand how people don't use all the wealth of knowledge that is YOUTUBE. I'm not saying you have to do videos... but Youtube is not a new website. It is in the news at least 4 times a day. Teachers, Students, Government, Fashion Designers, Makeup Artist, Newscasters, Talk shows and the list goes on use Youtube. Why can't a simple SA in the Sephora get a clue and look into it. And I know you are all like why is JES so mad? When I worked in retail... I was an Assistant Manger, I'm not saying I brought home my work all the time. But I knew the trends, looked up things, talked to people and tried to keep ahead of it all. But most of all I surely did not look like a deer in headlights when asked about a PRODUCT LINE newly LAUNCHED within my company!!!! I really dislike knowing more than the SA. Just so you know this female was about my age, so she wasn't a kid looking to make some summer money nor was she a Great Grandma not into computers (not saying Great Grandma's can't do computers). She didn't even ask me who it was, what it was, or offered to check the website. I mean come on. She really needs some Customer service 101!! I bet if I said Illamasqua her head would have spun.
Ok I think I went off on a tangent... I hope you are all still with me. Back to the Sephora catalog. Did anyone see on page 18 the crescent moon shapes at the bottom of the nail beds? Anyone try it yet? Let's see some pictures. Also matte nail polishes are back... remember around 99 they were in (wait was it 99 or 96?) That matte look lasted all of 2 months if I remember correctly at least in my area. I think I'll pass on investing any money in top coats or matte polishes UNTIL about the early holiday time, by that time the drugstores will have comparable options for me.


The next thing I saw was on page 4 brows! I'm guessing with the cooler weather my forehead will need more warmth!! Another trend I'm not going crazy about... I might fill in a tad more but nothing crazy. So if you see me with huge fro like brows point me to this post!!! I asked CandieCC about this on her online radio interview a few days ago. I think she was in agreement with me... to thick is not for her either! You guys know I love the brows, I believe they are a big part of the total makeup look. I was able to try another Brow pencil by Tarte here's my review.

And in closing... if you have the catalog in front of you right now.... did you see the glove on top of her head? Will that be the trend also... I have to say... in this picture it works. No clue tho if the average lady could pull this off.

~JES

NYC today doing my Photo shoot.

It was a great collab!!



A little video from todays Photo Shoot in NYC... Thanks for keeping me pushing!!

~JES
here's the link... so you can get all their info!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jl-Fd8J5sWQ

Fashion Therapy Seminar

GIFT BAGS....GIFT CARDS.... INFO.... AFTER PARTY!!!

ONLY 75 TICKETS AVAILABLE!!!! DON'T WAIT!!

I'm doing a contest connected with this event .... make sure you're a subscriber to my youtube channel to enter! Also, I'm be having a mini contest for people who can't attend.

CONTACT: Africa @646-915-5444 or FashioniteSociety@gmail.com for tickets! Remember only 75 tickets so we can have a personal seminar! MAKE SURE you say you're one of my youtube subs when buying your ticket!

watch out for video with more contest info!

Since I can't say it any better!

Pam, The Worlds Dresser, has a run down of MAC's MSFs here are her videos!

Enjoy... and subscribe to her on Youtube

Part 1


Part 2


Enjoy... If you have any questions contact her thru Youtube or her blog

NYC event... all invited

Hey everyone... So there is a Beauty Bloggers meet up in NYC this weekend July 25th at 6:30pm(for Readers).... hosted by Brittany from ClumpsOfMascara and Miss Yaya from MyOwnJudge.

Come and enjoy the area Beauty Bloggers.

I'll be there for the before and Meet and Greet which starts at 6:30pm. If you are a reader of my blog Come up and say hi!!
Admission is FREE FREE FREE!!
Plus you will get the chance to win products!!! Some brands participating are : Stila, Zoya, Tarte, Pencil Me In Cosmetics and MORE!!!!

Also a raffle for the readers to win a makeover from one of the Bloggers!!!

And of course pictures and chit chatting with all the bloggers!!!!

"We are sure this will be a productive, eventful, exciting, and quite memorable event, and look forward to sharing it with you!" -Yana Lusher and Brittany Thomas

More details here!!

I really hope to meet some of you there!!!

Follow me on Twitter for more updates!!! http://twitter.com/JESmakeup