Monday, September 29, 2014

First Impression: ABH Tamanna Palette.

Anastasia is killing it this year. Now, she's collaborating with some of the biggest artists on Instagram. I have been following Tamanna Roshan's work since her YouTube days (4 years ago). There was no way I could convince myself out of buying this one. (student problems)

 
(picture taken with flash)

The palette includes 10 shadows that can be used dry or wet for an intense color pay off. There are 7 shimmer and 3 matte shadows. The retail price is $35 CAN on the Sephora website (umm.. STEAL. Hurry it's limited edition) 


Also, there's a dual-ended brush and 5 'Get The Look' cards included. I'm not fond of the brush. The tutorials include step by step instruction and visuals!


Overall, I am impressed by this palette. The quality of the shadows are great especially for $35. When I get the chance to create looks with this palette, I will post a few looks up. Stay tuned for them on my Instagram page! (Link is on the home page)

CONS:

  • The brush.
  • The three palettes released are similar.

I hope you all enjoyed my first.. first impression (haha!)  

xoxo, Savleen <3




 



 




Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Review and Tutorial: Anatasia Dip Brow Pomade

Oh, Hello there!

The Queen of brows does it again; the Dip Brow Pomade is phenomenal. The pomade is perfect for a well defined brow, but you can also achieve a natural brow. The product allows time for you to achieve the look you want but when it set's its waterproof. When it comes to application use an angled brow brush with stiff bristles. Some brushes I would suggest to use are the either one of the Anastasia Beverly hills #12,  #7 or the Sephora Collection Pro angled liner brush #22. For the removal, you will need a waterproof makeup remover or a cleansing oil. The Tutorial will be towards the end.




Facts:
  • 8 shades
  • Waterproof
  • Smudge Proof
  • $23 CAN/ 0.14oz
Pros:
  • Waterproof
  • Creamy texture
  • Opaque
  • Lots of Product
  • Does not smudge
Cons:
  • Shade Selection
  • Stock

Fun fact: It can also be used as an eyeliner.


Tutorial:
I demonstrated with on the brow that I'm trying to grow back thanks to the last two eyebrow ladies I went too.. (took off so many chunks and left others) 


-Savleen










Friday, September 19, 2014

Every Day School Makeup Look!

Hello Everyone, I hope you all are having a great week!

This is my quick every day makeup look for school. The products used will be listed below the picture. Most days I have to work after school so my makeup has to be visible. For the day's where I don't work right after class I don't put on any eye makeup, just glasses.

I've been testing out the MAC pro long wear concealer and will have a review coming up for you all shortly. Stay tuned.

Complexion:
  • Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer
  • MAC Pro Long Wear Concealer
  • Makeup Forever HD powder
Cheeks:
  • Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour kit
  • Nars Blush in 'Deep Throat'
Brows:
  • Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Pencil in 'Dark Brown/Brunette'
Eyes:
  • Urban Decay Naked Palette 2 - 'Foxy' on the lid and subtle highlight, 'Buck' in the crease
  • Kat Von D tattoo liner
  • YSL babydoll mascara
Lips:
  • Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment in 'Tulip"

Thank you for all of your love and support,
Savleen 





Thursday, September 18, 2014

Review: Urban Decay's Naked Skin Liquid Makeup.

Hello Loves!

The vast majority of clients that I speak to every day always have a problem finding the right foundation! This review is based on me wearing this foundation for over 4 months now.

First of all I will tell you all about my skin. I am a combination skin type, my cheeks and chin are extremely dehydrate and I am acne prone. My primer varies while using this foundation, the one's that have worked for my skin care the Laura Mercier foundation primer - oil free and the Make Up For Ever HD primer - 0.




Here are some facts about The Urban Decay foundation:

- comes in 18 shades,
- medium-full coverage
- luminous semi-matte finish
- oil-free, paraben free, and fragrance free
- long wearing and light weight
- easy to blend

For the application I use either a damp Beauty Blender or the Sephora Collection #56 brush. They leave a flawless application, and are easy to use.

A normal to dry skin would love this foundation - it has Sodium Hyaluronate, Green Tea and Vitamin E which means it keeps your skin hydrated, promotes collagen and makes your skin more smooth and supple. (I mean, who doesn't want that? I sure do!)

If you're concern is fine lines- it has ingredients that increase the elasticity in your skin and light diffusing properties that reduce fine lines!

For my combination to oily people, make sure you set this foundation! Either with a translucent powder, the Tarte Smooth Operator is phenomenal, it will remove access oil without stripping the skin or appearing chalky!

Overall, the foundation lives up to what they claim and is worth purchasing! It is $45 CAN/30ML, which is an average price for a high end foundation. It should last you 4-6 months. My only con is that it does not contain an SPF.

Xoxo,
Savleen







Thursday, September 11, 2014

Sponges you ask?




Recently, I've received many compliments on how my complexion looks. I've been using the same foundation for four months now. The only thing I changed was the application from using a brush to my Beauty Blender. That's why I've decided to post about these wonderful non disposable sponges! (They're amazing.)

When I discovered the Beauty Blender I was hooked. It was quick, easy and left a flawless finish.
It's great to use with cream and liquid formulas. The Beauty Blender is meant to be used damp! I don't like to soak mine with water, instead I spray MAC's mineralize skin finish to dampen it. The sponge will double in size when wet. This application will leave you with an airbrushed finish!

The Beauty Blender Micro Mini is the cutest thing ever!! This blender is meant for precise application on smaller areas. Concealer, Highlighting and Contouring! The Micro Mini is also meant to be used damp, and will double in size just like the Original. My personal favorite use for the Micro Mini is using it for my holy grail concealer.. Kevyn Aucoin's Sensual Skin Enhancer!

Another amazing beauty sponge is the Shu Uemura Light Bulb sponge! This sponge has a very unique shape. It's very simple to hold and control. The larger side of the sponge is great for your cheeks, chin and forehead! The smaller side is good for getting into corners (nose and  under eye)! I also like to use the larger side to tap and blend a translucent powder on.

Lastly,  I'm always asked if the Beauty Blender Solid Cleaner is worth it.. Yes, it is! It thoroughly cleans out all of the makeup and makes them look brand new. It's also good to clean out brushes. I love it to clean out synthetic brushes, it will not leave any bucks up. Let's be real, dense synthetic brushes are the most complicated to clean. If you really are not sold on the Beauty Blender Solid Cleanser then check out the Sephora Collection Dry Clean Solid Cleaner! It's $17 Canadian.

Xoxo, Empress Studios


Thursday, September 4, 2014

Let's talk skincare!

Hello Lovelies!

Today's blog post will be all about skincare. I will let you know what I'm using for my skincare routine as of right now and why. Everyone's skin is different along with their concerns. My skin is combination; meaning dryer around my cheeks and chin but I produce more oil in the t-zone. Also, my skin is extremely dehydrated but I'm not overly sensitive.

Personally, I believe that skin care is the most important part of your beauty regime.. along with a good diet. Makeup can only do so much. Your skin care plays a HUGE role in how your makeup looks, application and duration. With that being said.. here is my skincare routine.



I am currently using:

The Body Shop - Vitamin E Hydrating Toner. I apply the toner on to my Shiseido Facial cotton pads and apply this over my face and neck! This toner is hydrating and leaves my skin feeling refreshed.

Caudalie - Polyphenol C15 anti-wrinkle defense serum. I use the serum day and night, gently tapping this into my face and neck. This serum corrects and prevents wrinkles. It also blocks out free radicals! Who doesn't want that? Preventing is key.

Day cream: 
The Body Shop Vitamin C Daily SPF30 lotion. Even if the Sun may not look like it's out, you need at least a minimum of SPF20.

Night routine:
Clarins - Lotus Face Treatment Oil. This oil is recommended for an oily/combination skin type. It helps tighten pores and improves your skin texture. Using an oil will not clog your pores! I warm up the product on my hands and tap it into my skin. Do not rub it into your skin.

Philosophy - Hope In a Jar Night. This moisturizer plumbs up fine lines and evens out your skin texture. For this I continue to do the same motion by patting this into my skin. Never forget about your neck! It ages the fastest.

and yes, good old Vaseline. The reason why I use Vaseline is because it's extremely conditioning for my brows, lashes and lips. The one disclaimer I will give with using Vaseline is to be sanitary while using this. 


If you have any skincare questions/concerns comment below and I will reply to you!