Archive for April, 2009

It’s lip primer. It’s lip plumper. It’s good stuff.

My main reason for wanting this product is its priming element, as I use a primer on my lips pretty much every day. Once I apply lipstick or gloss, it kinda get’s a mind of its own and starts wandering all around my face. Which is awesome if you like looking insane at the office. But since I don’t, primer is a necessary item.



Since I couldn’t wait to try this stuff out, I tore into it as soon as I got in my car. I was going out for drinks after my little mall detour anyway, so what better way to test the staying power of a lip primer. After putting on my newly acquired Prime Venom, I re-did my lipstick and headed out for the evening. Almost immediately I noticed the all familiar Venom tingle I’ve come to know and love over the years. I also couldn’t help but notice the how silky smooth the balm went on. Normally balms like this one have a waxy, Chapstick-y feel which I hate, so this was a welcome surprise. Also, because it’s completely sheer it didn’t alter the color of my lipstick, which tends to happen a lot with crème based primers.

As the night went on, my lipstick held up pretty well for about the first three hours – after that it started to run a little. Which is pretty good for a priming balm in my experience, since most don’t even last that long. I also tried wearing this to the gym the following day by itself, and love how it made my lips look naturally lush and rosy without the glossy shine that looks out of place when one is on the elliptical machine.


I’d say the one downside is Prime venom is a little on the pricey side ($20), especially if you’re gonna just be using it as a balm. To me however it’s worth it because it’s basically three products – plumper, primer and conditioner – in one.


Grade: B+
Comes in: Sheer, Cha-cha (a pale nude), Samba (fresh peach), Tango (sheer black currant)
Price: $20
Get it at: www.sephora.com, www.DuWop.com, and your local Sephora stores

I heard this song on the radio yesterday during some old school flashback mix and smiled from the second I heard the first note. Honestly, if you can listen to this sweet, sweet R&B and not smile then you must be, like, a complete douchbag. Cuz seriously, it’s just so sweet ya’ll!

For my money, 90s R&B doesn’t get any better than these guys… so bring it home Shai!

I found this ad for one of my favorite shows – Samantha Who – in an issue of US Weekly last month and couldn’t wait to try this hot pink look out for myself. Since I’m not feeling quite up to doing video tutorials just yet, I went ahead and created a little step by step guide on how to achieve a similar look.

I wore this to work a few days ago and got tons of compliments on my make-up, so don’t be afraid to try it out – even if it is hot pink. Live a little bitches!


Eyes:
You’ll need:
- A good eyelid primer like Urban Decay Primer Potion
- Stila Eye Shadow Pans in Moonlight (shimmering white), Cloud (shimmering neutral gray) and Black Cat (shimmering soft black)
- Black liquid eye liner. My favorite is L’Oreal Line Intense in Carbon Black
- A rich, black mascara like Benefit Bad Gal Lash or L’oreal Voluminous
- Make Up Forever Aqua Eyes liner in 01 (black)
Brushes: - Sephora medium size all over eye-shadow brush
- Sephora rounded crease brush



After applying your primer, use the all over eye shadow brush to dust the entire eye lid with Moonlight, or any other shimmery white shadow you chose. Then, use the same brush to apply Cloud to the lid using a dabbing motion. With the rounded crease brush, sweep a small amount of Black Cat to the crease, starting at the outer corner of the eye working your way inward. If you overdo it, sweep a touch of the white shadow over the lid to tone the darker colors down a bit. Using your liquid liner, draw a medium thick line across the top lash line. Line the inner rim of the lower lash line with Make Up Forever Aqua Eyes liner in 01 (black) paying special attention to the outer and inner corners. Finish by curling lashes and applying two coats of mascara.



Cheeks: Sweep a light, shimmering pink blush across cheeks. I used Nars blush in Oasis (shock!) but you can use any light pink. Whatever you do, don’t try to use a dark pink blush with this look or you’ll end up looking crazy. And not in the sexy, mysterious way either. I mean in the “I stockpile old newspapers and cats” sorta way. *shudder*



Lips:
You’ll Need:
- DuWop Prime Venom
- Urban Decay 24/7 lipliner in Envious (a medium berry color)
- Urban Decay Pocket Rocket Lip Gloss in Doug (shimmering hot pink)



Apply your DuWop Prime Venom balm to the entire lip area and allow to set. Avoid using a cream based primer because it’ll alter the color of your lip liner, turning it from hot pink to a hot mess. Next, line and fill in lips with the Urban Decay Lipliner, and blend. Then apply a generous coat of gloss, adding an extra amount to the center of your lower lip for added fullness.



And viola! Now hit the streets and bask in the compliments!

The good folks over at DuWop have put together what they call a “Beauty Stimulus Plan” to ensure your make-up drawer still overfloweth during this crap-tastic economy.

From now until April 30th, enjoy the following beauty incentives:

With every $25 – $75 purchase - Get a free bottle of Toe Polish in Flip Flop. (a super girly, pink color)

With every $76 – $150 purchase - Get a free tube of Prime Venom plumping balm.

With every purchase over $151 – Get a free Moodswing Palette, which includes:
- a full size Reverse Lipliner
- 2 brushes
- 2 mini tubes of Lip Venom Flash (gold and silver)
- 4 lip colors 6 eye shadows and 2 blushes


You don’t need a code to get your free gift – it will automatically be added to your purchase. I already took full advantage of this – so now, I just wait for my Moodswing Palette!


www.DuWop.com

And that means it’s time for your Old Skool Hot Track of the Week. Today is one of my childhood faves. This one definitely reminds me of happier times, riding home from school with my little bro in my parents yellow Nissan Sentra like a couple of gangstas. Yep, we were pimps, even back then!

RIP little brother- my life is so full of great memories thanks to you. I love (and miss) your smile <3