Sigma Beauty and Why You Should Order From Them

Jessica Savino Professional Makeup Artist in New York and New Jersey

 

 

Taking photos for this blog feels like such a chore sometimes. I know that those of you who have unlimited access to my selfies will be surprised to learn that I am not a fan of taking photos (not including of myself obviously).  If I am not taking pictures of myself, I am taking pictures of food or beauty products. I must say, the product photos seem to be the most challenging for me and is quite possibly the sole reason I don't keep to a regular writing schedule. Some of these Beauty Bloggers photo games are on point! I am not one of them, I am the opposite of one of them. I have neither the time nor the patience to take the perfect picture in the perfect setting every single time. 

Now with that being said, Sigma Beauty has their packaging game so tight they made me want to take a bunch of photos of their products! I received 2 packages recently from Sigma and they really make you feel special about ordering from them. 

The first package was an order I placed consisting of their Gel Liner in Wicked, 2 Longwear liner, 2 brushes~ E06 a tiny, slanted eyeliner brush and E25 a blending brush. Not only did they send me a free gift (a E25 mini blending brush which I chose), they sent me a bunch of pamphlets explaining all of their products as well as explaining how to use everything I had purchased. Quick review: The gel liner is smooth, very black and stays all day~I highly recommend it. The E25 brush is great and very similar to MAC 217~I actually reach for the E25 more, the liner brush is good but I prefer the Bdellium mini liner brush-I think it's a little stiffer, and the eyeliners are ok, I'm not doing cartwheels over them. I have already purchased some more items that I am waiting on.

The second package was an unexpected delivery of my pro card. Again, super special. Not only to they send you a pro card, they sent a bunch of eye shadow samples, eyebrow powder samples, and another free brush! Guess which one--yep my 3rd F25! lol, you can never have too many brushes and this one is a great one to have multiples of. 

Just a quick overview of Sigma: quality, affordable products used by both professional artist and consumers alike. Also, really great customer service. They helped me really quickly and efficiently when there was a glitch with my first order. So give them a try! 
You really cannot go wrong with any of their products.

Jessica Savino Professional Makeup Artist in New York and New Jersey

A Review: Skin Inc Serums

Jessica Savino Professional Makeup Artist

 

On Monday I told you all about serums and why they are good for you. Today let me introduce you to Skin Inc. 

 

Skin Inc describes itself as a Skin Supplement Bar. It is an online service that has a plethora of serums depending on what your skin needs. The website is very user friendly and provides a full ingredients list for all products. I do not recall there being any fragrance in any of the products so bravo on both the no added fragrance and the full ingredients list. If you don't know what your skin needs, you can take a quick online evaluation (which is what I did) and they will tell you what they think your skin needs. They thought my skin needed some renewal, regeneration, and replenishing so they suggested a Coenzyme Q10 Serum, a Vitamin A Serum, and a Hyaluronic Acid Serum. I ordered the 3 serums which they send you separately. You then mix them together to make 1 big serum. You even get to choose what color bottle you would like to store your serum in. I chose purple. They even give you a little label to write your concoction on. I wrote mine with the never drying pen. I had ink on my fingers for the next week whenever I picked up the bottle.

They suggest you use 3 drops 2 times per day, morning and night. You can definitely stretch this out a bit by using 2 drops 2 times per day. I am 1 1/2 months in and I have about a 1/4 of a bottle left. Even though this serum did not cause any breakouts and has kept me pretty hydrated, I will not be repurchasing. I didn't see anything life changing and for $90 every 2 months, I need to see some amazing results. I do like the quality ingredients that they use and Skin Inc does have a ton of single serums that you can try that are much less expensive. I will definitely be trying some of their other products, just not the custom blend serum again.

 Jessica Savino NYC Professional Makeup Artist

Why You Should Start Using Serums

Sometimes people will ask me what I use on my skin or if I have suggestions on what products to use to keep skin looking young and healthy. 

I have spoken extensively on my love of the acids. Now I want to tell you about my lust affair with serums. I'm hot for serums right now. 

So what exactly is a serum? It is a highly concentrated blend of beneficial anti aging ingredients. 

Why do I love serums and why should you? Like I said, they are a highly concentrated formulas consisting of high performing ingredients, such as antioxidants and/or retinol, which means there is less room for filler ingredients or thickeners. 

Due to the formulations, the quality of ingredients and the lack of fillers, serums are generally more expensive than other skin products such as moisturizers. However, you really do get the best bang for your buck and for your skin. They are chock full o good stuff!

Serums can be thin and runny or a thicker, more gel like consistency. You would use a serum after the toning stage and before applying your moisturizer or sun protection. You can use either day or night or both. These are a product you want to commit to because you really see the best results if you stick with them for a while. 

Serums are like any other product and ingredients will vary so I like to layer serums and have been using a few different ones. 

The first one I will write about is from SkinCeuticals and I happened upon it quite accidentally. I thought I had ordered a sample/travel package of their very popular CE Ferulic (which I still want to try), instead I accidentally ordered their Serum 10 AOX+. 

According to the website: 

Ideal for sensitive skin types or conditions to help restore healthy looking skin, Serum 10 AOX+ neutralizes free radicals, defends against environmental damage, and helps to fight the appearance of accelerated aging.

• Helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, neutralizes free radicals, and defends against environmental damage
• Once absorbed, this serum can't be washed or rubbed off. It remains effective for a minimum of 72 hours, making it an excellent step in your skincare routine
• Ideal for sensitive skin types and conditions

It is good for normal to sensitive skin and will help with acne and aging. They also described this as a starter serum for beginners.

It really chaps my arse when a company does not post the full list of ingredients on there website. Here are the key ingredients, I did not search for the full list: 

10% L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C): Neutralizes damaging free radicals and protects against oxidative stress.
0.2% Ferulic acid: This plant-based antioxidant neutralizes free radicals.

I will say that my skin definitely seems clearer and more vibrant since using this serum but I am not completely blown away. I have not had a "holy grail" moment over this serum. If you think this product is something that you may want to try, you can purchase 30ml for $69. I still want to try the CE Ferulic because it is supposed to carry a bigger punch. 

So sorry their are no photos with this post. Thursdays post will be about Skin Inc's customized serum and there will be photos with that one. 

Jessica Savino Professional NYC Makeup Artist

NYX The Skinny Mascara Review

I had recently purchased a bunch of NYX products during one of their Ulta 40% off sales. I have found some good items that I will add to my professional makeup artist kit! I will try not to make every single upcoming post about NYX products so you aren't bored but there are a lot of products to review so I will try to combine some of them. 

Since I've been on a mascara hunt as of late, I will talk about NYX the skinny mascara. 

First, what the f$ck is this?????

Is this even a brush? Now you all know that I love a small brush because it gets in every nook and cranny of your eye but this is hands down the smallest brush I have ever seen. 

Although I do appreciate the very black formulation, this adds absolutely no length or fullness to my lashes. This wand does not grab any lashes, it's like painting the formula on with a stick. I have been using this with the Roller Lash, which I like a lot more since using this mascara but I will not purchase the skinny again. 

On to the next mascara!

Eye Makeup Tutorial Using Greens and Blues

You can ignore my eyebrows in this picture. Thank you.

I am always looking for different ways to wear my eye makeup. I have already spoken about my love for eyeliner but sometimes black can be a bit heavy and also aging. I know that blue eyeshadow is generally reserved for Vegas showgirls and my Brooklyn grandma but something about the blues and greens of the ocean makes me happy and think of mermaids.

 I love ocean colors in everything, clothing, paint, makeup. LOVE IT. These colors can be used boldly to make a statement or subtly to create a fresh look. I wanted to show a look that can be worn every day and is not the same old boring neutral. You can add a youthful pop of color to your daily routine, plus these colors look great on brown eyes! 

For this look I used Taupe from the Lorac Pro Palette in the crease and Nude from the same palette on the inner corner and along the outer lower lashline. I used NYX loose pigment in Turquoise on the mobile lid blended into the crease. Makeup Forever No. 11 pencil along the upper lashine (this is my favorite pencil and I use it on most ladies I work on), Maybelline gel liner in Blackest Black for the outer wing, NYX Baby Blue pencil on the waterline with MUFE No 11 over it. Benefit Roller Lash mascara and Ardell 101 Demi lashes which I cut in 1/2 and only used on the outer part of my lashes. I honestly dislike wearing false eyelashes but there is no denying how much better they make your eyes look in photographs.

I hope this inspires you to try something new!

RedKen Stay High 18

This is a hair post. I was going to start by writing about how I never write about hair stuff but I think I have started a few post with that sentence so I guess I do sometimes write about hair stuff. So here we go again!

I have fine hair. I have a decent amount of it but it is fine none the less. I am always looking for ways to add volume to my sometimes lifeless, pin straight hair. I always said my hair game is holding me back in life. I change the color up a bunch and sometimes will cut bangs in but for the most part, I style it the same all the time because I feel like I don't have a choice. I love sexy, big, voluminous hair with tons of body a la every sexy bombshell pretty much ever. For as much time as I spend on product research for makeup is as little time that I spend on product research for hair.

I mentioned my quest for big hair the last time I was getting my bi-monthly salon visit and on the recommendation of my hair stylist, I purchased Stay High 18 Hair Gel/Mousse by Redken.  

 

So yeah-interesting name. Interesting name for an interesting product. This is a gel that turns into a mousse. Crazy right!? You dispense a little in your hand, it will initially be a clear gel, starts to foam a little and then when you rub your hands together it will miraculously turn into a mousse! As I've said, I don't research too much hair products so I am not sure if a product like this already exist so it was very fascinating for me! It will not be a light, fluffy mousse. This is definitely a heavier mousse that still has a bit of a gel texture to it. I am not sure if the gel to mousse texture does anything special or if it is just a gimmick but I do know that this stuff works! 
My stylist told me to use it at the roots, the bottle says to use it root to tip. Do whatever works for you, this product is not a "crunchy" product so you can use it however you want. I use only at the roots but have done both. The first time I used it I released too much product, decided to use it all, then thought "well you fcked up now" but my hair did not feel too heavy or producty at all once it dried.  

This product leaves your hair full of body with some decent lift at the roots. I have recently taken a blow dry class and that has actually upped my volume game a bit. Everyone should learn how to properly blow dry their hair! I just want to blow dry my hair big and this product, along with the proper technique helps with that!

My one negative critique of this product is as usual with the packaging. This pump dispenser has the tendency to dispense too much product if you are not careful. One quick short pump should do the trick to cover your roots with product. The box is cute and once you open it, it has instructions on how to create 3 different runway looks. Cute idea but honestly, the instructions are way too simple for these runway hair looks.

You can purchase Stay High 18 at Ulta for $24.

Jennifer Aniston Living Proof Product Review

Ok, lets discuss Jennifer Aniston for a minute. She gives good hair, doesn't she? If ever there was a hair icon of our time, it is Jenn Aniston. Of course it doesn't hurt that she is cute as a little, golden button but as soon as she busted out with that now famous "Rachel" haircut (that she has admitted she hated and that Chris McMillan has admitted to being high when he created it) she became one of the most sought after hair legends of our generation, a title that has lasted 20 years now. So it is only fitting that the hair queen has co-created her own hair care line.

I usually don't write post about hair products because I never feel I find good products. I feel my hair holds me back in life and maybe it's because I have been using sucky products? After one of my instructors took pity on my limp locks during a high fashion/runway makeup course, she brought in a sample of Living proof prime style extender (I don't like when titles or names are not capitalized, it bugs me) and it has been a whole new ballgame for me! 

Prime style extender is a hair primer that "locks in your style longer". You can use it alone or under other products. What it is supposed to do is "perfect and smooth strands and repel dirt and oil". What it does for me is creates smooth, healthy looking hair while providing a little bit of body so my hair is not so flat and lifeless. I apply a generous dollop of product all over my hair from roots to ends, I don't think you can put too much of this product on as it really is weightless. I very rarely read ingredients in hair products, maybe I should start and I would have better luck picking products so I have no idea what's in this but you can try and read the back if you want.

Next up, Perfect Hair Day 5-in-1 styling treatment. I picked up a generous sample sized tube at Sephora. This product is supposed to: smooth, volumize, condition, strengthen, and polish. Both of these products suggest applying generously from roots to ends. I would not do that with this product, as it is not as weightless as the prime style extender. I only apply at the roots to get that little bit of volume. ***EDIT*** I would not use this at the roots, it is way too heavy for use at the roots and will weigh the hair down a bit. This is perfect from mid-shaft down to the tip.

So America's sweetheart really got it right. Two really great products that have made a noticeable difference in how my hair looks after it is styled.

 Living proof is available at most Sephora's. 

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Veil Cosmetics

Veil Cosmetics Illuminating Complexion Fix for Face and Eyes

A Review

Another product on the I love it so much I'm gonna put a ring on it list! I had been hearing a lot about Veil Cosmetics Illuminating Complexion Fix for Face and Eyes but I thought it's probably just another click pen highlighter~No big deal! We all know that Touche Eclat rules that universe, however there had been a rumor that they changed their formulation and it is not the same as the original that has gained ridiculous cult status. I am not sure if that is true or not but I decided to give Veil a go when my friend Ro, a fellow makeup artist was raving about it. 

This little beauty is unlike anything I have ever tried. First, it comes in 4 shade families with 3 undertones per shade. I purchased 2P in the light family which has a gorgeous light pink undertone which neutralizes out the lovely dark circles I get under my eyes. 

So most click pen highlighters (Touche Eclat included) do exactly that, they highlight. They do not conceal. You still have to use a concealer if you are trying to conceal anything. Veil's click pen will cover and brighten without settling into fine lines. This is a buildable coverage so you can apply as much as you like and it never gets cakey or settles into lines. Never, no matter how much I apply and it stays put really well. 

So here's my one giant complaint:

For those of you not familiar with click pen application, you twist or click (in this case twist) the pen until product is released into the brush applicator. Initially, you have to click it approximately 1026 times before any product is released but then there should be no problem getting product to load onto the brush. Not in this case. It takes forever to get product to load so after like 10 clicks, I get frustrated, lose my patience and click it another 100 times rapidly until I get some product. Sometimes that causes too much product to be released, I use it all and then put the cap back on and throw it in my makeup bag. The next time I use it, it looks like there was a product explosion in the cap because product keeps releasing. I'm not sure if I received a defective one or maybe I am expecting too much product to be released at once but the packaging is my only complaint. 

So there you have it! Regardless of the packaging issue I would definitely repurchase and I recommend this product to anyone. 

Veil Cosmetics Illuminating Complexion Fix cost $40.