Flawless Complexion Favorites!

Hello Everyone! Firstly, I'd like to apologize for my absence. I finally have more time to blog more.

Before continuing on with this post; I'd like to remind you all that your skincare and diet are the essentials to having a beautiful complexion, makeup can only do so much. With that being said here are my flawless complexion favorites excluding my skin care and primer.

For my foundation I love using the Marc Jacobs Marvelous Mousse - Full Coverage foundation. It contains skincare ingredients that help with hydrating, soothing the skin and has anti aging properties. The best way to use this product is by warming it up on the back of your hand and using a brush that is fairly dense in order for you to receive the full coverage this product claims to offer!

The Nars Creamy Radiant Concealer provides you with a medium-full coverage. This concealer also has skin care benefits (always a plus in my opinion), it also has light diffusing technology and lastly it's extremely hydrating to use under the eyes. A lot of the concealers I have tried have been very drying under the eyes even while I'm using an under eye cream, so this is a huge pro for me. I like to lightly pat this product on using my ring finger.

Kevyn Aucoin's Sensual Skin Enhancer does wonders! I use this product as a highlighter and it blends in seamlessly and does not look heavy on the skin. A very little amount goes a long way. If you are an extremely dry skin I would suggest mixing in a bit of moisturizer. This can also be used as a foundation, personally I like it better as a concealer. To use this I either use a damp beauty blender or warm it up with my fingers then blend it out.

I hope this helps if you had any questions about one of those three products! If you have any requests for another blog post feel free to email me at empressstudios@gmail.com

- Savleen

Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick

Recently, I've discovered that I am a lipstick hoarder.. especially stains! These Kat Von D liquid lipsticks are phenomenal.

My overall rating for these lipsticks is a 9/10. They are long lasting, even after eating/drinking you don't have to retouch. Your lips won't feel dry or appear flaky. This new formulation is truly hydrating. I love the applicator it applies the right amount of product. You also don't need a lip liner for a defined lip. I hope that Kat Von D comes out with more shades that are more wearable for people who can't wear bold/bright colors for work.

The lipstick is described as "A long-wear, full coverage liquid lipstick with a smooth matte finish." The formula is infused with vitamins A, C, E and without parabens.

Facts:

• $24 CAN/0.22 oz
• 12 shades
• Hydrating
• Matte Finish

xoxo, Savleen

Tried & Tested: MAC Pro Longwear Concealer

Hello Beauties!

I'm certain that you all have heard about MAC's Pro Longwear Concealer, I decided to try it out myself. I got matched to NC42 by an artist in store. My review is based off a month and a half of using this product.

The product claims to be a lightweight fluid that provides a medium to full coverage, gives a natural matte finish, lasts up to 15 hours and that it conceals and corrects under-eye circles. The longest I've had this product on for a day is 10 hours.


Facts:

• $24/9ml
• 16 shades 

Pros:

• comes with a pump
• easy to blend

Cons:

• creases
• pump dispenses too much product
• turns ashy

Overall, I was disappointed with this product. Although, I love the fact that this concealer has it pump, it dispenses way too much product. This product would be great for someone who has minimal to no dark circles. If that doesn't work use a corrector underneath. If you're interested give it a try but look into MAC's return policy before hand if you're unsure.

DIY: Lip Scrub

Hello Beauties!

With the colder months approaching you may notice your lips becoming dry and chapped. I've been making my own lip scrub for a few years now and I've been loving it! It removes the dead skin gently as well as moisturize them. Keep in mind not to over exfoliate your lips.

You will need the following:

• extra virgin olive oil
• brown/white sugar
• small container

Directions:

1. Put a TBSP of white sugar in your small container
2. Mix in a dash of extra virgin olive oil
3. Continue to mix until the olive oil makes the sugar stick together
4. Scrub for about 15-20 seconds
5. Leave the scrub on for about 30 seconds
6. Remove with a damp cloth
7. Lastly, apply a hydrating lip balm.
   
   I've got a couple of DIY beauty recipes I'd like to share with you all. Stay tuned by subscribing. 

xo,
Savleen

Tried and Tested: Sephora Collection Perfection Mist Airbrush Foundation

Hello lovely people!

I've been wanting to try this foundation for quite a while now. So, I caved in and bought it. It is an airbrush foundation with an ultra fine mist. The foundation is exclusive to Sephora.

Facts:

• Retail price is $35 CAN
• 2.5 oz
• 9 shades
• Satin Finish
• Buildable Coverage
• Oil, Parabens, Sulfates and Phthalates Free.

The suggested use according to the Website is:

1. Shake well for five seconds before each use. 
2. Cover hair and clothes.
3. Close eyes and hold can 10 inches away from face while pressing on nozzle and moving in circular motions. 
4. Blend with Sephora PRO Foundation Airbrush Brush #55. 

For achieving a light coverage it says to spray directly on to Sephora Pro #55 and blend it in. For a fuller coverage, spray six to eight inches away from the face spraying in circular movements.

I tested out the method of spraying the product on the Sephora Pro #55 brush and then blending it in and it didn't provide enough coverage for me. Although, spraying the product on to a brush is defeating the purpose of an airbrush foundation, it's less messy. The next time I used the foundation I sprayed it on to the Sephora Collection #45 brush and blended it in. Man, did I ever get a full coverage since the brush is more dense.

Overall, The foundation is great! I would give this foundation an 8/10. Due to the fact that I didn't like the finish without setting it with a powder and the color selection is still very minimal. If you're a dry skin you don't need to set it unless you want a matte finish. For my fellow combination to oily skins, set the foundation in your t-zone in order for it to last you 8+ hours. Throughout the day the foundation held up great. Since I do set the foundation with a translucent powder it stayed 11 hours without becoming blotchy.  (I have really long days)

Here's a fun fact about Sephora Collection, it's owned by Louis Vuitton. So yes, it is luxury and nothing less than any other brand Sephora carries.

I wore this foundation for my first set of Head shots.

xoxo,
Savleen

Get To Know Me!

Oh Hello There!

Today, I wanted to 'formally' introduce myself through this post.. My name is Savleen and I am the owner of Empress Studios.

I wanted my viewers to learn more about my makeup story! So, I found the 'My Makeup Story Tag' and few more questions. I absolutely loved It's Judy's Time video and wanted to do something similar except not a video. That's why I started blogging instead. My friends constantly tell me to make YouTube videos, but that will have to wait for now..



1. How old were you when you started wearing makeup?
 I was 14 when I first put on mascara! Clear mascara that is and I remember my aunt telling me I was too young haha

2. How did you get into makeup?
 Good old YouTube! I started searching how to videos and from there it began.

3. What are some of your favorite brands?
Nars, Urban Decay and Maybelline.

4. What does makeup mean to you? 
When I'm in need of a pick me up it's comforting. It enhances all of the beautiful features you already have and you can create so many as well. Makeup is my passion.

5. If you could only wear 4 products on your face what would they be?
 Brow pencil, Concealer, Mascara, and powder.

6. What is your favorite thing about makeup? 
The endless amount of looks you can create!

7. What do you think about drugstore makeup vs. high end makeup? 
Honestly, I started off using drugstore makeup. Mascaras, eyeliners lipsticks, lip liners are all things I think some drugstore brands make very well. But when it comes to primers, foundations, powders and eye shadow's I always pick something high end. But keep in mind brands like L'Oreal own HUGE brands like Lancome, YSL and Urban Decay.

8. What is one tip of advice you can give a beginner? 
You probably won't get it right away. Keep practicing, learn your own techniques and explore with everything! Don't be shy to try a bold red lip.

9. What is one makeup trend you never understood? 
I can't mention just one.. There's a few. Over tweezed eyebrows, clumpy lashes and frosted lips.

10. Is your hair naturally curly or straight?
My hair has always been straight but recently it's been excessively wavy and frizzy.

11. How long does it take for you to put on makeup?
It takes me about 15-40 minutes depending on what I'm getting ready for and if I slept in.

12. What do you do first? Face or eyes?
Always my eyes and brows.

13. Do you collect makeup or just buy what you need when you need it?
I'd say a mix of both.

14. Do you do a full face of makeup everyday?
Lately, yes. But, when I don't have to work, go to school or have something else to do I give my face a break. Your skin needs to breathe. 

15. Do you wear makeup when you're home alone or with family?
Nope, I absolutely love makeup but my skin needs a break. When I'm at home or around friends I don't wear any makeup unless there's an event.

16. Will you leave the house without makeup?
Yes! It's very important to me that everyone feels comfortable leaving the house without makeup. Makeup is a 'pick me up' but keep in mind that you should be able to leave your house bare faced and feel confident!

17. How often are you on Blogger?
Everyday! I prepare my content and proof it constantly before I publish it.

18. Do you read comments posted on blogs?
Yes! I love reading people's comments. I think it's a great way of acknowledging different views and learning something new. 

19. Do you keep a list of products to try as you see other posts?
I try too but I'm quite forgetful.

20. How did you come up with your blog name?
It's my freelance branding name.

21. What's your favorite colour?
Right now... I'll have to say purple.

www.empressstudios.com

xoxo,
Savleen

'Tamanna Palette' Look - Details

Hello!

I posted an eye look using the 'Tamanna Palette' on my IG and Facebook Page. Like I promised, here are the details:

Brows:

• Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz in 'Brunette'

Eyes: 

• 'Fresh' as the Highlight
• 'Blush' on the Lid
• 'Bengal' in the Crease
• 'Sangria and 'Chocolate' in the Outer V
• Bobbi Brown Gel Liner in 'Ink Black'
• Urban Decay 24/7 pencil in 'Perversion' in the waterline
• Benefit 'They're Real' Mascara 
• Red Cherry Lashes #213

xoxo,
Savleen


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