Nobody Puts Leah in a Corner

I haven't posted in a while, I know, I know. Mostly because I ran out of things to post about and every topic I wanted to cover has already been expertly documented by a makeup blogger with 48329 more followers than I have. But, my dear readers, all ten of you (on a good day), I have come out of hiding (read: laziness) with a new post (read: rant).

Last week marked the initial launch of the widely anticipated Mac Osbournes collection. This collection was a dual launch with mother and daughter duo Kelly and Sharon Osbourne. Kelly is known for her lavender hair and fair skin, while Sharon is known for her smokey eye and red hair. Myself, and many others, have been stalking every blog and article that made mention of this collection from the day it was announced. In fact, it would suffice to say that this has been one of the most anticipated Mac lines in quite a while. I personally had my eye on three of Kelly's four lipsticks. There is Dodgy Girl, a beautiful pale lavender. Riot House, a creamsicle orange. And Kelly Yum Yum, a fresh take on the ever-popular Candy Yum Yum, in an even more vibrant bright pink. Other popular items included blushes and eye shadow quads from each line. These lines were going to be epic.

Anyway, last Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning marked the initial launch of the lines in a series of releases. Note: popular makeup brands often hold several releases for new lines and products. The first is usually on the primary website, which in this case was Mac Cosmetics. The second launch is usually a few days to a week later, and comes out on the websites that also carry the cosmetics in question (think Bloomingdales and Nordstrom). Finally, the products launch along a similar timeline in stores. In theory, each fanatic has three or so opportunities to get in on the product. In theory…
I stayed up until 4 a.m. on Monday waiting for the products to go live on the Mac website. I was constantly refreshing the page and my Twitter feed to see if anyone was privy to any news about the launch. Eventually, I gave in to sleep. The lines launched around 7 a.m., failing to send email and text alerts to those who had signed up, until about two hours later….when everything was already sold out.
I wasn't necessarily surprised at the sell out. I mean, I had opted to go to sleep and try my luck in the morning. I was surprised to log on to Amazon and eBay to find people selling the Mac products from the collections for a minimum of twice the price, with at least a dozen of everything on hand. In other words, The Sleepless bought out the website upon its launch in order to turn a profit of their own. Irritating, but my chance would come next week when the online department stores launched their product.

So fast forward to Sunday evening. I have downloaded the mobile app for every department store that was going to carry the product. I had a tab open on my computer with the beauty sections being refreshed regularly for each of these websites. I had already set up my account payment and shipping information so I wouldn't lose something during checkout. I had season two of Orange is the New Black playing to keep me occupied until the gates opened. The launches were scheduled for 2 a.m. CST…by 4 a.m. CST, there was nothing. Luckily, a Twitter user let me in on some sneaky insider information to access to products early. With her help, I was able to acquire the three lipsticks I wanted. Everything was paid for and confirmed by 4:15 a.m., before the launch had even gone live. I went to sleep that evening with a smile on my face. By 10 a.m. that morning, the websites were sold out, yet again.

And now we arrive to today. I wake up to find an email in my inbox that I never wanted to see: part of my Nordstrom Mac makeup order had been cancelled. One of my lipsticks was being removed from my purchase because of improper supply and demand anticipation. I was pissed, to say the least. My first two chances at getting the product I had so desperately been stalking were at least (partially) unsuccessful. My next chance would be the following morning when everything went live in store. I live about 35 minutes away from a Mac counter in a Macy's, and was now going to have to be one of "those people" who stands outside a store 30 minutes before they open, just so I can get my hands on a tube of lipstick. I swallowed my pride and went on eBay to check out the product's availability (Dodgy Girl, for those keeping tabs). The cheapest I could find was $32 with all shipping fees included. This is about twice as much as what the product retails for. I was angry, irritated, and impressionable, and because of one-click shopping, I bought it. That said, I have still resolved to pick up one of the other lipstick in store that hasn't yet shipped from Nordstrom because clearly, they can't be trusted.

So, what does all of this amount to? Unfortunately, I am not some isolated case of a makeup addict not getting what she wanted and throwing a dramatic fit over it. Because of Mac's inability to project product needs for supply and demand, and jerks who buy up everything to turn their own profit, a lot of  tried and true fans are without they few things they may have wanted. This isn't exactly the Cuban missile crisis, but then again, this is a makeup and style blog, so exactly what did you expect?

Now, I was a philosophy major in college, so I learned that complaining without supplying solutions is amateur. So, Mac, Nordstrom, Macy's, Dillards, and Bloomingdale's, listen up. Make better projections. You have highly qualified buyers for your brands, so put them to work properly or fire them. Five minutes on Twitter, even a month before the first launch, would have clearly indicated that this was about to be big. Meet your consumers halfway. We are clearly more than willing to throw our money at you, so at least give us what we are asking for.
Second, cap the amount of products people can purchase during the launches. No one needs more than two of anything in any cosmetic line (a lot of people like to have back-ups due to cool, limited edition packaging). There shouldn't even be an option for "30" in the order quantity drop down. Track users who seem to be abusing the spirit of the sale. You'll have a lot more positive feedback on social media this way.
Third, what's wrong with a preorder? Personally, I would be willing to pay a markup a month in advance just to secure the products I want, and so would many others. I would rather pay the initial retailer a markup, rather than some eBay seller across the country an exorbitant amount for the same thing.
Finally, be prepared. Launch your websites when you say you are. Find the bugs and loopholes before it goes live. Have an accurate count of what you have on hand and how much product you actually have to sell. Process orders in the order they come in so users who were in on the action at 4 a.m. aren't suddenly without anything and those who rolled in at 8 a.m. have everything their heart's desired.

So in summation, stop being shady. We want to give you our money.

Brush Business: Eyes

It's been a busy few weeks at work and I haven't had much, if any, time to post about makeup (but I have found the time to go shopping for it). This is the second installment regarding the purchase and use of different brushes for your face. This time we are talking about your eyes.

Your eyelids take up minimal space on your face, but have the largest array of brushes to utilize. This can lead to a lot of confusion and stress over what to buy and how to use it.

Thin liner brush

This is one of the few brushes that has a limited purpose, but is entirely necessary. You should use this brush when applying gel or liquid liners. It has an ultra fine tip that applies creamy formulas with precision. One important detail is that this brush requires frequent cleaning (after every use) and can easily become ruined if not cleaned gently and correctly.

Tapered shadow brush

This is probably my single most frequently used brush. This eye brush has a massive amount of versatility and I actually like to have multiple on hand at any given time. This brush is for straight-up eye shadow application. It works with powders and creams and applies directly to the lid. A good tapered shadow brush distributes shadow smoothly and evenly. It also is ideal for layering shadows when you are going for an ombre or blended effect, or just want a more intense color distribution.

Flat liner brush

 The flat liner brush is a good choice for general eye liner application (preferably powder and not a liquid or gel). This brush is wonderful for those who don't have the most steady hand when applying makeup. With this brush you can "dot" or "dash" your liner across your lids and then fill in the gaps, rather than trying to produce an even and straight line from the start.

Smudge brush

I happened across a smudge brush entirely by coincidence. I wasn't looking for one and I had never previously used one. This brush is truly a transformative makeup tool. A smudge brush is firm and has short bristles and can feel a bit rough. I use this tool last, or close to the end of my routine. Run this brush lightly around the exterior edges of your eyeshadow in order to soften them up. It eliminates hard edges and makes your makeup look natural. You can use this brush with or without shadow (powder only). Without powder, you blend edges seamlessly and take away some severity. With shadow, you blend colors smoothly.

Crease brush

A crease brush is for, just that, the crease of your eye. Dab this brush in a lighter shadow and run it back and forth along the natural shape of your crease. This brush helps with blending but is also intentionally shaped for the crease of your eye, so it is necessary to have in your collection. Once again, this brush works best with powder shadows only.

Standard shadow brush

Maybe I should have listed this brush first, as it is essentially the foundation for your makeup application. This general powder brush is for all styles of applications (stick with powder, once again). It applies lightly and is great for more subtle or natural makeup looks. Just sweep a powder of your choice over the entirety of your lid for a quick makeup look.

Angled liner brush

Finally, there is the angled liner brush. Unlike the flat liner brush, this brush provides precision in liner application and can be used with any formula of liner (gel, liquid, or powder). This brush is a better choice for those with a steady hand when applying makeup, as it applies more precision control. This brush allows for sharp edges and is perfect for winged liners or any dramatic style liner styles.

And there you have it, your perfect eye brush collection. Most of these brushes work best with powders (my preference in almost all cases). I you choose to use gels, liquids, or creams, make sure you clean your brushes immediately after. If you don't, you can render them useless and run the risk of unintentionally blending colors or formulas.

I personally think that Sephora is the perfect place to look for brushes, especially when you have quite a few to buy.

Brush Business: Face

When I started doing my makeup seriously, I discovered that makeup brushes are often more important than the makeup itself. Tools for application can make all of the difference when applying cosmetics to your face. Unfortunately, these tools can often become pretty pricey and it is next to impossible to discern which brushes you need without becoming overwhelmed. Well, I am here to help demystify what brushes do and which are the most important to keep in your kit.

First and foremost, there are two categories of brushes: natural and synthetic. I personally use a mixture of synthetic and natural brushes as I don't think there is a huge difference between the two. Either way, if it is relevant to you, synthetic brushes are made of man-made fibers and are best for non-powder products. On the other hand, natural brushes are made of actual hair (not always cruelty free) and work best with powder based products. Pricing is relatively similar and one isn't going to run your any more than it's counterpart. 

So, let's talk about what you need for your face.

Concealer brush

This does exactly as its name suggests. A concealer brush works with powder or cream based concealer and spot correcting products. The flat head of this brush allows direct and precise application to trouble spots. It also lightly blends to keep spot correction areas look less obvious. 

Stippling brush

This brush applies foundation products to your face without making it appear to be just setting on top of your skin. The rough top of this brush blends makeup into your skin rather than smearing it around on the surface. If you are looking for full coverage, this would be the foundation brush to go with.

Foundation brush

This standard foundation brush lightly and smoothly applies foundation to the face. This brush allows for a more natural application while still preventing makeup from looking caked on. 

Angled brush

Angled brushes are great for contouring as it relates to the use of blush and/or bronzer. The angled shape drags along application and slightly mutes colors at the site of application. It is also perfectly sized to keep you from looking like a clown as a result of heavy blush streaks. 

Fan brush

I personally do not use a fan brush, but some people swear by them. They are usually used for blushes and prevent a hard looking application. Blush colors look light and rosy rather than like hot pink splotches on your skin. 

Kabuki brush

These brushes are going to be the largest in your kit. They are used to blend the mix of powders (blush, highlighter, setting powder, bronzer) etc. This will be one of the last brushes you use on your face as you are completing your look. It blurs any of the inevitable hard lines on your face and keeps everything looking smooth.

Every one of these brushes comes in larger and smaller versions of what is shown. This can be confusing, but just think of what size is going to work best for you and what type of makeup you apply.
Sephora has a magnificent collection of brushes to choose from and can fulfill all of your needs.


Up next I'll be writing about what brushes you need for your eye makeup application.

Color Concious

My next post from my reader suggestions has to do with keeping style fun, without diving off the deep end in to trashy. Specifically, how does one wear colorful bottoms without looking like they stepped out of one of those mall stores that does custom airbrushing (you know exactly what I am talking about)? First and foremost, I am so glad that colored pants are a thing now. They add so much variety to a wardrobe, especially in an area that has been virtually unchanged for years. They keep things interesting when indigo denim is too pedestrian. If you don't think colorful pants are something you can rock, then you are probably wrong.

Fit first. With every type of clothing it is important to first discern what fits and cuts are the most flattering on your body. Additionally, ask yourself what seasons you are aiming to wear these particular bottoms during. Personally, my collection of colored bottoms specifically lend themselves to spring and summer wear, with a few that make the cut into fall. I don't have anything for the winter season, only because I haven't found anything I am particularly fond of. As a result, the colored pants I do have are loose fitting chinos and skinny cords. The chinos are great for spring and summer, whereas the cords are perfect for fall. If you are looking for a pair to take you through the winter months, I suggest a skinny colored denim that can be tucked into boots.

Next, choose your colors and patterns. As I am sure I have mentioned before, I am not wild about patterns. The only patterns I find myself adding to my wardrobe are polka dots, plaids, ginghams, and stripes. That said, there is absolutely no reason you can't work some fun patterns in to your bottom  based style. When selecting patterns, you need to pay attention to how you plan on wearing them most frequently. If they are going to be work related, pick a color with a small, repetitive pattern or no pattern at all. This really has nothing to do with what is "work appropriate" because that is just total bullshit that you should not buy in to. It has everything to do with versatility. Work clothes aren't the most fun thing to buy, but when introducing fun prints and colors to your wardrobe, especially in the form of pants, you want them to have maximum wearability and multiple opportunities for mixing and matching. If you are looking for something more casual, the world is your oyster. I usually keep it to just solid colors, but if you are jonesing for a loud print, casual wear is the way to go. Take a look at the pictures below (all from Banana Republic) to see what I mean by work vs. casual.

Work, because of print and color.

Casual, because of color.

Work, because of print.

Casual, because of print.

Casual, because of print.

Casual, because of fit.

So you have your colors, prints, and fits picked out. Now what do you wear it with? My mantra with colorful and loud pieces is to keep everything else as simple as possible. To me, simple is defined by items that are typically associated as being menswear or menswear-esque. That doesn't mean you will look boyish or manly, but rather, not a hot mess vying for attention.

Blazers and Oxfords:
I seem to always have perpetual affection for blazers. They fit with everything, but are particularly fabulous under these circumstances. Blazers can be paired with almost any fit of colorful pants, loose (casual) and slim (work). The only area you need tread lightly is with fabric and texture. Wool based blazers are going to look heavy and busy if they are paired with any type of bottom that isn't primarily cotton. Keep the blazers fitted, as loose fitting jackets are going to make the outfit look sloppy. As for shoes, grab a pair of oxfords and roll up the cuff of your bottoms to just above the ankle. This keeps it casual, yet polished.

Converse and Tees:
If you are looking for the uber-casual look, find a loose fitting v-neck t-shirt (white will never fail you) and some not-so-beat up Converse or Vans. I like to go with white or cream colors as they keep the outfit looking fun and relaxed without looking lazy and tired. The pants can be either lose or slim fitting in this circumstance.

Sweaters and Heels:
If you are working toward a polished look that doesn't make you feel like you are at work, then go with some simple sweaters and heels. Loose fitting colorful bottoms aren't an option here, so look for something slim fitting in a fun pattern or fabric. Sweaters should be in solid neutrals, and with a crew or boatneck. Heels should be in solid colors and preferably not pointy (I hate pointy toed shoes with a passion unmatched by little else).

Button Downs and Boots:
If you are looking for a cold-weather look that plays nicely with colored bottoms, then you should be opting for a simple riding boot in either black or brown, and a crisp neutral button down. Your pants should be slim fitting so they tuck smoothly into boots without adding bulk. They should also be in winter appropriate colors (think jewel tones and neutrals). The boots should have minimal hardware and lacing as they may add too much "extra" to the outfit.

Accessories:
The pants are intended to be the focal point of your outfit, which means you should really avoid trying to play up your jewelry selection. Keep the pieces small and opt for baubles in one area (earrings or bracelets, or necklaces, or rings, not all of the above). Don't try to match your jewelry colors to your pant colors, or you might end up looking like a lost clown. Scarves should be used carefully, as their material or print may send your look too far.

Having fun with colorful bottoms doesn't have to look messy and cheap. Pay attention to fit and keep everything else as simple as possible. When shopping for colorful bottoms I highly recommend Gap or Banana Republic, as they have their pant game perfected.

No Lies Eyes

The second post under my reader's choice suggestion is one dedicated to properly doing eye makeup. This topic has a lot of area to cover, so I am going to attempt to provide a post that appeals to the most broad range of doing eye makeup (so none of my crazy applications this time around).

First and foremost, you have to prep your face. Start with a moisturizer with SPF. Distribute evenly across your face and neck and let it absorb fully in to your skin. Next, grab a good primer and apply evenly. After that, touch up with a concealer and smooth it all over with your choice of foundation. At this point you can choose to add an eye specific primer if you like. If you are going with something a bit more basic and demure, you can skip this part. If you are going to be applying colors that are dark or pigment heavy, you will want to do an eye primer to hold everything in its place. If you do go with a primer, dab a bit on your lids and pat it in gently.

Now it's time for application. For basic application, I recommend four styles of brushes, which you can purchase here.

Flat shadow brush

Standard shadow brush

Tapered shadow brush

Angled shadow brush

Select your shadows. I suggest a minimum of two but usually end up using close to five for any look. 

The lightest of your shadows should be applied on your lid from the inner corner to the center of your eye lid with the flat eye shadow brush. Next take your darker color and apply with the standard shadow brush from the center of your lid to the the outer corner of your eye lid. Bring your brush back to the center of your eye lid and blend in with your lighter color. It should not be clear where one color starts and another ends. When you are satisfied with your blending efforts, pick up the tapered shadow brush and blend along the crease. I usually select a similar color that falls between the lighter and darker colors I have already applied. I use this in my crease to add a bit of depth. Pull the brush back and forth along the whole crease.

Next, it's time for liner. Once again, application depends on the look you are going for. Some people suggest applying liner first, but I prefer adding it last. I use a cross between kohl liner and powder. Line your inner, lower lids with your choice of liner color. Then swipe a line across your upper lash line. Depending on the look, you can bring the liner to a small wing in the outer corner of your eye. After this, I dip my angled powder brush in the darker color I used on my outer lid. I apply this powder over any area where I already applied the pencil liner. I do this for two reasons. First, it softens up the liner so it doesn't appear quite as severe. Second, it helps set it so it doesn't wear away throughout the day. 

Finally you can add the finishing touches. Curl your lashes and apply your favorite mascara on both your top and bottom lashes, and ta-da infallible eye makeup!