Summer Inactivies.

Hi, there… (*shamefully waves*)

I’ve been avoiding this explanation for quite a while– and the weird thing is, it’s not even a legitimate explanation. It’s just a lame excuse for a explanation.

So I’ll just cut to the chase, because, at the end of the day, this is just a beauty blog– not the “zunnahzuthousand digest”.

So here’s my reason for not posting for the past month and a half:

I was just feeling lazy.

Yup, that’s it.

Now that that’s floating around the interwebs of computers and minds alike, we can move on to the actual purpose of this post: summing up the makeup habits and products I’ve grown fond of recently.

1. 90s bohemian

Now, don’t get me wrong– I’ve always loved bohemian/90s-esque makeup. But for some reason, I’d wear classy-ish makeup with the occasional smokey eyeliner– I know, you’d probably never be able to tell that from the looks I post on here. But, for real, I just didn’t really have the ladyballs to wear something so esoteric… until now.

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen.

 

 
This look wasn’t necessarily inspired by that picture, but that’s sort of the style that flowed out when I sat at my makeup headquarters.

2. Plum mascara.

Makeup-wise, purple is, like, the color;  the mutant among mortals. It can enhance any eye-color. I could go on to explain the color theory to you, but, to be honest, it wouldn’t be a very succinctly written description (if you’re really interested, I’ll direct you to this site, particularly the third-to-last paragraph). So take some relationship advice from a makeup enthusiast and trust me on this one– purple is your eyes’ best friend.

A couple days ago, I created a monotone palette on my face and applied plum eyeliner, plum mascara, and plum lipstick; and, I gotta say, it looked pretty damn cool. Unfortunately, I didn’t take any pictures… Sigh… If only I was sucked into the black hole from Star Trek and traveled back in time to tell myself to take pictures–but then I guess I’d be stuck there, and there would be this illogical paradox where two of me existed, and I’d effectively create a separate parallel universe and– yeah, no, now that I think about it, I’d rather stay here. Anyways, tell me if you’d like me to recreate the look for the site (this time without parallel universes).

My favorite plum mascaras are Make Up For Ever’s Smokey Lash in Plum (6) and Chanel’s Imitable Intense Mascara in Rouge Noir, but if you have hazel or golden-brown eyes, I’d go with the purple instead. If you’re looking for a drugstore version, Physician’s Formula makes one called “Shimmer Strips Custom Eye Enhancing Mascara Duo,” however, I have not actually tested this product, so I can’t vouch for its pigmentation or overall quality, although I can recommend to use a primer, such as Revlon Lash Fantasy Total Definition Mascara (which I reviewed here). As a side note, what is with drugstore companies and enormously long product names? I mean, it’s like we’re in second grade, saying, “supercalifragilisticexpealidocious” ’cause it makes us feel smart.

     3. Sigma Cosmetics new Sigmax brushes.

Oh. Em. to the GIZZNLES. These brushes are ah-mazing.

As a certified brush-pimp, there is a high level of expectations I hold for these babies. I judge their shape, density, ferrule structure, glue durability, bristle texture, product absorbtion, handle weight, handle length–even their friggin’ smell. And while Sigma’s new P88 and F88 brushes have an imperfect handle weight, everything else has held up to the test. The shape? FLAWLESS. It, like, perfectly conforms to the contours of the face, while still being able to reach the small crevices.

And, because the bristles are synthetic (don’t worry though, they don’t feel scratchy, acrylic paint brushes) they don’t suck my foundation up into oblivion.  I have often used their counterparts from the Sigmax collection for applying stage makeup at school, but I can’t wait to use these new babies for the upcoming plays.

And, lastly, here are just some random looks I’ve done, but didn’t really like enough to make an entire post for:

Whether you’re awkward, awkwarder, or seeking redemption,

-zunnahzuthousand

Porco Rosso: A Metaphor

Hullooo,

After reading the title of this post, your nice, flounder-sized brain should have inferred that I’m back to doing the “Miyazaki Moment” make0pera again.

Yup. That’s right. *Nods head*

I think this calls for… a dance party! Wubwubwub woooomp wubwubwubwub. Any booty-pumpin’ going on over there? (Is ‘booty pumpin’ even a dance phrase? … Guess it is now.)

No, but seriously; sorry for leaving you high and dry (’cause I know you’re totally DYING over there without my makeup looks, right?), I just wasn’t really inspired to create any Miyazaki looks until now.
As always, if you want to read about Hayao Miyazaki’s animations, the inspiration for this make0pera, you can clickity-click this linkity-link. If you would like to read about Porco Rosso, or just see a really cool makeup look, I humbly offer you this link.

Before I show you the look, I just have a quick question:

Now, onto the look!

Just to explain the whole philosophical side of things here, I created this dark eye to represent Porco hiding behind himself; in addition, he wears dark sunglasses– so that’s just a bonus. However, when you look into the darkness of Porco– and the darkness of this makeup–you see small facets of beauty. Furthermore, the blue and gold represent his “honor”, which, continually, is alluded to in the movie.

Just fo’ laughs.

(*In Oprah Voice*) Please welcome… the product liiiiiiist:

Face:

• Make Up For Ever HD Foundation in #117
• OCC Concealer in R0 (I’ll be doing a review on this soon!)
• Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Powder in 01 (dupe- MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Give Me Sun!)
• MAC Limited Edition blush in Launch Away from the Hey Sailor! collection (I can’t think of a non-limited edition dupe!)
• MAC Cream Color Base in Pearl (dupe- theBalm Overshadow Sexpots in No Money, No Honey)

Eyes:

• Too Faced Shadow Insurance (dupe- Urban Decay Primer Potion)
• Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream in 21 (dupe- Maybelline Color Tattoo in Tenacious Teal)
• Sugarpill Chromalust in Stella (dupe- Inglot Freedom System AMC Eyeshadow in 64)
• MAC Glitter in Reflects Duo Purple (I’m pretty sure you could find a dupe by Lit Cosmetics!)
• Sugarpill Chromulust in Royal Sugar
• Stila Smudgestick Eyeliner in Koi
• Nars Eyeshadow in Goldfinger
• OCC Pure Pigment in White
• Maybelline Full N’ Soft Mascara
• Inglot bottom Lashes
• Eyeko Lashes by Katy Perry

Eyebrows:

• Anastasia Brow Wiz in Brunette

Lips:

• MAC Lipliner in Stone
• NYX Lipstick in Summer Love

Whether you’re awkward, awkwarder, or you fail at “booty pumpin’” like me,

-zunnahzuthousand

Let’s Get Saucy!

Why, hello there,

Quick look using my new SauceBox products! If you want to read about the new, indie brand, take a gander over here; if you want to read about the palette I used for this look, feast your eyes on this link (I know, it’s like, “YUM”).

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Don’t Tempt Me…

Why, hello there,

A few days ago, I posted a “haul”, so-to-speak, introducing my newfound lover: SauceBox Cosmetics!

So, for today, I’ll be reviewing one of the products I purchased: the Temptation Palette!

The palette contains four unnamed colors– a teal, indigo, yellow, and orange; with beautiful magnetized packaging, sturdy cardboard exterior, and an internal mirror, this palette reminds me very much of the Sugarpill packaging– in fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if the palettes came from the same manufacturer. The only difference I can detect is that the SauceBox palette has these little openings so that one may easily remove the pan. All of the eyeshadows wore over bare skin for about two hours with noticeable fading; however, when worn with a primer (I used UDPP), it lasted eight hours with minimal fallout. In addition, all the shades had excellent blendability.

SauceBox Cosmetics!

Why, hello there,

I have a confession to make. I’ve been keeping a dirty little secret from you; it’s strong, sexy, and… saucy! It’s called SauceBox cosmetics; a baby-old indie company with absolutely fantastic eyeshadows!

Here’s a snippet from their website that describes the company:

“SauceBox takes its beginning in 2010.  Founded by mother and daughter (both make up addicts). The name takes its roots in Old English, and means rude and impudent, obnoxious. We believe that make up is all about attitude and your inner self expression.  The goal was to create  high quality line with out high price – SUCCESS! The line combines two worlds of ‘ OLD AND PROVEN” with ” NEW AND EXCITING”. SauceBox cosmetics believes that every one is beautiful, and every beauty needs to shine…”

To read more about SauceBox Cosmetics, click heeeyaaar– *coughcough* um, I mean…here.

This post will strictly introduce the products that I purchased from SauceBox– a “haul”, if you will. Reviews and respective looks are to come.

 

So, to begin, the products came in a box… THAT WAS PINK; it’s small details like this that always make me smile.

I know what you’re thinking: “A picture of a box– seriously?” But, man, I just couldn’t resist the pinkness.

As the perfect example of the company’s intimate size, they wrote their return address (and my address) by hand– so cute!

In addition to the adorable pink packaging on the outside, pink tissue-paper enveloped the yummy, cosmetic goods on the inside.

I bought one product… and the other one– the mascara- mysteriously appeared in my package. Very curious– but hey, who’s complaining? The eyeshadow palette is appropriately named the “Temptation Palette” and… now that I looked on their website, I’m going to assume that the mascara comes with every purchase, because there’s no link to buy the mascara on their website.

The packaging of the Temptation Palette is absolutely gorgeous– it’s very much my style.

Sweet Land of Liberty

Why hello there,

As you’re well aware of, I can often times ramble on about geeky topics, such as Miyazaki movies, chemical bonding, my social incompetence, and the like. Instead of torturing you with a history lecture on the origins of America, I’ll just say… HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!

And leave it at that.

I created two looks for independence day: one that’s waaay over the top and one that’s within the normal limits of patriotic sentiment.

We’ll start with the extreme look first:

Summertime, when the makeup’s easy…

Why hello there,

Here in Philly, the weather’s gettin’ pretty darn hot; sitting inside, enjoying the air conditioning, I thought, “Why not write a post about lightweight makeup?”

So, today, I bring you a summertime look that uses strictly mineral makeup. In addition, I will be attempting to write one of those written tutorial thingies… so, here goes?

Face:

• First and foremost, you should wash your face. I’m no dermatologist, but I know this: that icky sweat stuff can collect in your pores and create a lot of problems including acne and infections. Now, I, myself, have not been known to be “little miss perfect” when it comes to washing your face; like everything, I go through phases. But I believe wholeheartedly that washing your face, does, in fact, work. My personal favorites are Fresh Soy Face Cleanser and Cervae Cleanser.
• Next, people of all skin types should apply a moisturizer. Even if your skin naturally has some moisture (otherwise known as shine or oil), doesn’t mean that it’s the right kind of moisture. My personal favorites are Embryolisse and Cervae AM Moisturizer.
• Mandatory: Okay, before I go ranting about this topic, I’ll warn you that I’m notoriously known for being obsessive about sun screen; in addition to a family history fraught with skin cancer, I tend to burn easily, given my especially fair skin. So let me just get it out… WEAR YOUR SUNSCREEN. It’s really not worth the tan to get skin cancer.
• Optional: After you moisturize, you have the option to use a serum. I’ll be honest with you– serums aren’t absolutely vital, but… Eh. They can help to minimize pores, and some believe that they can prevent or repair wrinkles. My personal favorites are Ole Henriksen Truth Serum and Garnier Serum.

STOP. Picture tiiiime!

Taken when I first woke up and put on moisturizer.

• Optional: If you happen to be a part of the sweats-a-lot clan (like moi), you can use a primer; it will additionally minimize pores, in case you either decided to skip the serum or you just want extra insurance against those buggers. My personal favorites are Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer and Tarte Poreless Primer.
• Next, apply a water-based or mineral foundation– both will provide the same light, breathable coverage. If you need more coverage, I highly recommend Make Up For Ever’s foundations, as they are medium to full coverage yet your skin feels “free as a bird”. My personal favorites are Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua, MAC Face & Body, and MAC Mineralize Foundation.
• Then, apply a mineral concealer, such as my personal favorite (for any season), MAC Mineralize Concealer.
• After that, you can apply a powder to set the liquid– remember, the rule of thumb is to set liquid/cream with a powder, and set powder with a setting spray. When applying the powder, try simply pouncing the brush/sponge on your skin so as not to disturb the concealer and foundation.
• If you don’t already have rosy cheeks that doesn’t peek through the foundation, apply a mineral blush to the apple of your cheek for young skin, or to the top of the cheekbone if you have mature skin. My personal favorite is MAC Mineral Blush.
• Time for some highlighter! Apply a mineral highlighter from the edge of your face to the iris, tracing along top of the cheekbone. My personal favorite is MAC Mineralize Skinfinish.

Finally, we’re done with the skin.

Eyebrows:

• I once heard this really good quote, it went: “A face is like a great work of art, it needs a frame to be complete.” You can interpret frame as either a pair of glasses or eyebrows! Personally, I like to think it’s both. But for our purposes, let’s just say that it’s the latter. My point is that you should at least fill in your brows a little bit, unless you already have Brooke Shields’ brows. You can use a mineral eyeshadow that matches your brow color as a filler.

Eyes:

• To keep it simple, we’re just going to apply some mascara. Now, to ensure that we stay within the “mineral makeup” boundaries, I will say that my favoritemineral mascara is Physician’s Formula; however, I do have other favorites.

Lips:

• Just to add a bit of life, we’ll apply a bit of tinted lip balm, such as Fresh Sugar Lip Balm in Coral or Revlon’s Lip Butter in Red Velvet.

Let me know how you liked the zunnahzuthousand spin on tutorials! I tried to make it as informative as possible, while still keeping the quirky personality!

Whether you’re awkward, awkwarder, or a sunscreen freak,

-zunnahzuthousand

Persian Whispers

Why hello there,

Today, I bring to you a story of beauty– no, not the whole truth/beauty/love deal, I mean like cosmetics-type beauty– one that hopes to inspire all those who uneasily procure the audacity to initiate conversations; in other words, I’d like to think that this will inspire people to grow some balls.

One day, after reading one of my favorite beauty blogs, GlitterGirlC, I had a thought (I know, it’s like, “WOW, you think?!”); “Hmm… perhaps I will inquire of this ‘GlitterGirlC’ if she would fancy partaking in a collaborative makeup look…” (Okay, in reality it was probably dumbed down a bit, but I’ve been watching classic British movies all day, can you really blame me?) Given my awkward nature, my innate instinct was to shun the very idea and move along with my daily life; however, I put aside my social difficulties and said to myself, “Come oooon, YOU CAN DO IT.” Feeling uncomfortable and self-conscious, I messaged Cecilie and asked her if she wanted to do a collaboration piece with me. And let me tell you… SHE WAS SO NICE ABOUT IT. I cannot say enough about her talents and affability.

Anyway–back to the story– we decided to each create a look based on a picture and the phrase “persian whispers”. It has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?

So, after this long narrative, I hope that my fellow awkward makeuplings can appreciate this look and its extensive background– chock full of embarrassment when I was contemplating my inquiry, and excitement when I found that– as cynical as it may sound and as obvious as it may be to some of you– people can be really, really nice.

Oh, and I hope you enjoy the makeup too.

Persian Whispers

The image we were inspired by.

(In Oprah Voice) Please welcome… the product liiiiiiist!

Face:

• Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer
• Make Up For Ever HD Foundation #117
• Temptu Color Wheel S/B

Eyebrows:

• Ben Nye Eyeshadow in Mink Stole
• Ben Nye Eyeshadow in Black-Brown

Cheeks:

• Laura Mercier Mosaic Shimmer Block: Placed on the temple
• Ben Nye Eyeshadow in Cork (Dupe- MAC Wedge): Placed on temple and used to contour cheekbones
• Sugarpill Eyeshadow in Love+: Placed on the hollow of the cheek and on the temple
• MAC Eyeshadow in Brownscript: Place on the hollow of the cheek and on the temple
• Sugarpill Eyeshadow in Flamepoint: Placed as a transition color between Love+ and Buttercupcake
• Sugarpill Eyeshadow in Buttercupcake: Placed on the cheekbone as a highlight
• Naked Cosmetics Ivory Stack in #4 (basically a white/yellow duochrome): Placed on the cheekbone as a highlight

Eyes:

• Maybelline Color Tattoo in Edgy Emerald: Placed on lid as a base
• MAC Pro-Longwear Eyeshadow in Styledriven: Placed on lid
• Sugarpill Eyeshadow in Afterparty: Placed on the outer third of the lid
• Illamasqua Eyeshadow in Fatal: Placed on the outer “v” of the lid and under the eye
• MAC Eyeshadow in Brownscript: Placed on the outer “v” of the lid and under the eye
• Sugarpill Eyeshadow in Bulletproof: Placed on the outer “v” of the lid and on the upper and lower lashline
• OCC Pure Pigment in White: Placed on browbone
• Naked Cosmetics Ivory Stack in #4 (basically a white/yellow duochrome): Place on the browbone
• Inglot AMC Gel Liner in 88: Placed on the waterline
• Inglot Lashes
• Random individual lashes

Lips:

• Make Up For Ever Aqua Lip Pencil in 10C
• Dior Addict Lipstick in 991

So check out GlitterGirlC’s blog for her look! Although, as I’m writing this, I haven’t seen the look yet, I’m sure her version will be just as amazing as the rest of her work!

Whether you’re awkward, awkwarder, or so awkward that you get nervous undergoing social interactions over the internet,

-zunnahzuthousand

When Opposites Attract

You may remember from your middle school science classes that opposite charges attract one another (I know what you’re thinking–don’t worry, I’m not going to go all geekazoid on you); now, some may apply this principle to relationships, but I like to think of it more as a rule of color.

For this look, I was inspired by a red duochrome pigment with a lovely green shimmer– red and green being the opposites… that attract one another… like opposite charges… if you catch mah drift…

Without further delay, I humbly present to you: When Opposites Attract.

Cookie-Cutter Gold

Hello there,

Now, as you may have noticed, there are many interpretations of the word, “gold”; it can be understood as the color, the currency, the feeling, the prize, the element, the treasure, a booger– you get the idea.

… Huh. I just completely forgot where I was going with that train of thought. Oh well. Here’s the damn look.

 

(In Oprah Voice) Please welcome… the product liiiiiiiist:

Face:

• Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer
• Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation in SB 4.5
• MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Medium
• MAKE UP FOR EVER Lift Concealer in #1
• NARS Powder Blush in Casino
• MAC Limited Edition Mineralize Blush in Fresh Honey (Dupe- Illamasqua Powder Blusher in Beg)

Eyes:

• Urban Decay Primer Potion in Eden (Dupe- NYX Eyeshadow Base in Skin Tone): All over lid as a base
• MAKE UP FOR EVER Metal Powder (Dupe- Sugarpill Chromulust in Goldilux): Inner two-thirds
• OCC Loose Color in Hum: Outer third
• Ben Nye Eyeshadow in Smokey Taupe: Outline the gold
• Ben Nye Eyeshadow in Black (Dupe- MAC Carbon): Outline the gold
• MAC Pigment in Blue Storm (Dupe- MAC Contrast): Outline the gold
• OCC Pure Pigment in White (Sugarpill Pressed Shadow in Tako): Under the brow
• Sugarpill Chomulust in Tiara: Under the brow
• MAC Extended Play Lash
• Revlon Lashes in 503

Lips:

• MAC Lipstick in Taupe

 

Whether you’re awkward, awkwarder, or…. I forget.

-zunnahzuthousand