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Atlanta, GA, United States
Hey there!, welcome to my blog and thanks for reading my random rambles. I'm a professional makeup artist in all areas of Beauty, Fashion, Film/Television and Bridal. I'm known for my professionalism, personality and something random in my hair. I grew up in the caribbean in Antigua such a beautiful place. Glitter queen, cake lover and shoe addict. My posts will give you some more insight into the creative quirky mind that I have.

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Product Review: L'Oréal Infallible 24 Hr Eyeshadow


The battle of the 24 hr Cream Shadows continue with L'Oréal's Infallible 24 Hr Eyeshadow

I picked up shade 998 Sultry Smoke as I am always on the hunt for grey shadows and thought I'd give this one a try.

The product comes in its jar with a plastic lid insert to protect the shadow and I assume to also prevent drying out.




The texture of this product is very different from what one would expect from a cream shadow. It's almost a dry mousse type texture, which sounds weird but it's definitely not creamy, I actually experienced a bit of fall out when using a brush.

I also tried to apply it with a primer but it didn't make much of a difference with coverage, also when layered thickly the texture of the product gets weird and almost scale like.

The shadows blends easily and I used both a finger and stiff brush for the application and though both worked well I think the brush gives a more pigmented application.






I quite like the shade also, however it isn't the grey that I was hoping for (the hunt for true grey continues) it's a blue based grey and the finish is a satiny matte look.

 I'm not super excited about this product, especially as a cream shadow, cream shadows are unique because of the texture they give once dried and I find that this is so close to a powder shadow, that you'd might as well just use a powder shadow.

What They Say
"For the 1st time ever, L'Oréal Paris introduces an ultra intense eye shadow that lasts from day until dawn-a full 24 hours. This revolutionary formula fuses the ease of a powder with the velvety caress of a cream to create a unique hybrid that glides on effortlessly. And with its unique technology, your eyes are enhanced with pure, magnified pigment. Make a lasting impression without batting an eye."

Meh..

Sajies weren't too impressed


Thinking of still trying it? Check out some colour options below and feel free to share your views!



Saj Mack is a Professional Makeup Artist in Atlanta Georgia providing over 6 years experience in Beauty, Commercial, Film, Television, Special FX and more. See her work at www.makeupbysaj.com

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Product Review: Maybelline Color Tattoo


I picked up two of the Maybelline 24 HR Eye Studio Color Tattoo Cream Shadows to give them a test run and see how well they hold up to the hype.

I got two shades 50 Edgy Emerald and 25 Bad to the Bronze 

These are super pigmented cream gel shadows which boast to last up to 24 hrs for full wear without creasing. The texture is very creamy which allows for easy application and blending, most cream shadows are either too creamy or too dry but I think these have a great balance.



 50 Edgy Emerald, 25 Bad to the Bronze 
On Pigmentation.. 

Swatches below I just used my finger with no primers. The Bronze shade went on easily however the Emerald took a few swipes to get the full pigment.
25 Bad to the Bronze, 50 Edgy Emerald

 Here they are on my eyes applied with my finger only.

The Bronze shade went on super easy and very pigmented, the shade itself is a warm copper with gold highlights. This was applied over bare skin with no base.
25 Bad to the Bronze 

25 Bad to the Bronze 
 The Emerald shade was not as successful as the Bronze, which you can see in the pics below, it applied very splotchy and sheer and took a lot of layering  to get the result in the pictures, which isn't really good. I even gave it time to dry and re apply a second layer which just picked up the first layer. Brush, eye primer, powder also did not help.

I find that usually the brightly coloured cream shadows tend to have pigmentation and application issues.
50 Edgy Emerald 



It's a shame as the colour is so pretty. Naturally, you can apply a coat of the Emerald Colour Tattoo shadow then go over it with a matching powder shadow, however I believe that products should work they way companies say they will. No sense in purchasing a product that required a crutch.

This product also claims to last 24 hours, but we ladies wash our faces before going to bed....right? yes?excellent. 

I kept the shadows on for 5 hours and they have NOT budged, I repeat...zero movement. No creasing, nada, zilch! how awesome is that!! Even the Emerald has stayed put in all it's patchy glory.

What They Say:
"Dare to wear our longest-lasting shadow. 
Our ink technology creates super-saturated color. 
Cream gel smoothes on for vibrant color that does not fade. "

Overall I do really like the Bronze and will look at exploring more of the colours. What do you think? Have you tried any yet? 

Sajies say..


Shop Maybelline 24 HR Color Tattoo Below!



Saj Mack is a Professional Makeup Artist in Atlanta Georgia providing over 6 years experience in Beauty, Commercial, Film, Television, Special FX and more. See her work at www.makeupbysaj.com

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Product Review: NYX Mega Shine Lip Gloss


NYX Cosmetics is easily one of the most popular drugstore brands on the market today with a large following from the average girl to the professional artist.

The Mega Shine Lip Gloss is a super pigmented gloss in a wide variety of colour choices. From Nudes to Bold and Brights. The glosses range from opaque to semi opaque and are long wearing without drying the lips.

Left to Right: Plush Red, Sponge Cake, Smokey Look, Sugar Pie

Left to Right: Plush Red, Sponge Cake, Smokey Look, Sugar Pie

The scent of these glosses is a pretty strong cherry-ish scent so keep that in mind if you are sensitive to fragrance.
My fave is Plush Red which is a brilliant Red and Sugar Pie a nude barely there pink


Sajies love pretty lippies!





Saj Mack is a Professional Makeup Artist in Atlanta Georgia providing over 6 years experience in Beauty, Commercial, Film, Television, Special FX and more. See her work at www.makeupbysaj.com

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Product Review: Rimmel Eyebrow Pencil

Rimmel Eyebrow Pencils are a fantastic drug store steal. 

They come in a variety of shades with a good range for the lightest blonde to dark brunettes. My two personal faves are the Black Brown and Hazel.

The pencils also have a handy brush cap to brush brows in place before filling in, the wood of the pencils is also great as it allows you to get a sharp point once sharpened which is ideal for making light hair-like strokes.

Left: Hazel   Right: Black Brown

What I also like is that the pencil is not super waxy so it is long wearing and there is no issue with melting or that shiny wet looking effect that some pencils give.

Top: Hazel   Bottom: Black Brown

I have a Hazel for myself which matches my lightened brows perfectly and I keep a pair in my professional kit.

At $3.19 it's definitely a great deal!


Sajies love a great brow tool!


Shop your shade below:




Saj Mack is a Professional Makeup Artist in Atlanta Georgia providing over 6 years experience in Beauty, Commercial, Film, Television, Special FX and more. See her work at www.makeupbysaj.com

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Get Lip Ready for Spring/Summer 2012


The season lips are taking a bold focus. Colour is the name of the game and is sure to score you extra points for spring flings and summer loves ;)

From Runway to Walkway, here are my top 5 Spring 2012 Lip Trends
  
TANGERINE TANGO
This seasons "It" colour adds sexy citrus look to every makeup style, from clean looks to smokey eyes. This colour is also perfect for colour blocking your makeup to your bright clothing colours.



NOT YOUR MARY'S POPPIN PINK

Soft pinks have always been apart of spring beauty trends. This season add some sass to your classic "tea party wear" by pairing a bright neon pink lip with that soft pastel pink dress! 




DOUBLE DUTCH COLOUR
Can we just have a moment on how awesome this is! Mix and match your lips like a mood ring. Pair a bright orange top with a rich purple or pink. The possibilities are endless! Keep the rest of the face clean but structured with a dusting of matte (i.e no shimmer) bronzer


GRAPE FLAVORED POUTS

Vampy lips + soft pastels = yes. Pair this lip with soft clothing both in texture and shade for a pleasant surprise from the usual "goth" expectations from such a bold lip.


BOLD BERRY
A rich deep red....need I say more? :)



They may seem overwhelming to the every day girl, but don't be afraid! Pair these lips with soft barely there makeup and a few coats of mascara. Play with texture, use tinted glosses or lip balms in trend shades for a different look.

Most importantly, no lip colour would be appealing on dry chapped lips. Ensure that your lips are smooth and un-chapped with soothing lip products and lip exfoliators if necessary.

Which look do you think you would try?








Saj Mack is a Professional Makeup Artist in Atlanta Georgia providing over 6 years experience in Beauty, Commercial, Film, Television, Special FX and more. See her work at www.makeupbysaj.com