Makeup Minutes

Maybelline Bouncy Blush

Brianna — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 04:11:34 +0000

If you have fair skin, like me, my review on Maybelline’s Bouncy Blush ($8) may be just the perfect blush for you! It is very rare that I find these drugstore brand products that I love, so when I do – you guys are the first to hear about it! First and for most, I am ultra picky, and have worked, most of my life, with luxury brands. What I loved, most, about this blush is the texture, color and the fact that it is the Maybelline blush is the perfect shade to wear with ANY red or bright lipstick!

I was drawn to the packaging, of course, as the bright shade of color stood out among the rest- not to mention the name: Dream Bouncy Blush! The blush IS BOUNCY! The texture is amazing! I just love the texture. It is pretty sheer in texture so the product is buildable and can easily be layered for more color, if it is to sheer for you. For application I use my fingers and apply it to the apples of the cheeks and blend upwards. I add a little bit of bronzer just under my cheekbone for good contour definition.

The blush comes in about 8 different shades, and can be purchased at most drugstores. However, I would not recommend this blush to professional makeup artists as it did not come across on my HD camera as “best” as some of my cream Make Up Forever blushes, or some of my MAC. It is a terrific blush for everyday use, though. Again, I can’t rant and rave enough of the bouncy texture that makes it super FUN to apply!

Brianna’s Beauty Bits

Brianna — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 17:12:05 +0000

Hi Dolls! It is time for this weeks Beauty Bits! Here are some of my Beauty Bits that occurred last week!

*I just realized that its about that time to visit the hair salon again for my color touch ups!

*I got my copy of Beauty Inc. and I am so excited to sit down tonight and read up on the beauty biz!

*I painted my toe nails with the new Sally Hansen Gem Crush polish in “Big Money”! I LOVE it! Its the best glitter gold!

* My honey, Vincenzo, bought me Dior’s Bronzer for Valentines Day. He knows how to get to a makeup lover’s heart! XO

*I painted my finger nails this beautiful dark green that I am loving on! It is called Emerald City by Ultra Pro. You can get it at Sallys Beauty Supply.

Do you have a beauty bit, you would like to share? Please share what you do for beauty in the comments section below!

Eyeliner Review: Chanel vs. Revlon?

Brianna — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 05:37:12 +0000

What’s in a name? I choose two eyeliner reviews, Chanel and Revlon and put them to the test to see which one lasts longer, performs better, and it easiest to apply.

I have the Chanel ($29) on the left and the Revlon ($6) on the right.

Both eyeliners are expected to be long lasting, black in color, and are in a pencil/crayon form. Both contain the hidden sharpener at the end of the pencil to finer application. The Chanel did glide on much easier than the Revlon, but the Revlon is very black in color, which I prefer, whereas Chanel’s black is more of a soft black in shade.

Chanel is expected to be waterproof and Revlon is expected to last up to 16 hours. I tested both on my hand (as seen in the photo) let it dry for a few minutes and swiped my finger over both of them. They both did NOT smudge. Everything stayed put! Needless to say, both eyeliners lasted all day and wore about the same.

The Revlon was a little harder to apply as the texture felt a little softer. I had to reapply the Revlon and go over it a few times to smooth out the lines, whereas the Chanel went on pretty effortlessly. So, if you have loose skin around your eyes, or have hooded lids, I suggest you take out some extra time and apply the eyeliner more slowly and carefully. Another option if you have this problem would be to switch to a cream eyeliner or just use the Chanel pencil, instead.

Overall, I would purchase and use the Revlon ColorStay eyeliner, again! You just cant beat the $6 price! Well, worth SAVING versus splurging on Chanel. Finally, a drugstore product I can feel glamorous in knowing I am saving a fortune!

How To Get Rid Of Acne and Rosacea (As Seen on the Dr. Steve Show)

Brianna — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 20:10:06 +0000

How to get rid of acne can be difficult, embarrassing, and not to mention can create a lack of self confidence. Rosacea, too, a condition where the skin can be dry and very red, can be challenging to conceal. However, using the right kind of makeup products in a particular sequence, can conceal, hide and mask those red blemishes giving you the perfect, flawless finish.

As seen on the Emmy nominated, Dr. Steve Show, check out my makeup and beauty tips how to conceal those minor flaws and gain your self confidence back! Scroll past the video for a few more extra makeup tips!

Here are a few extra important tips in the prepping and concealing process!

1. Prep your skin with a good moisturizer and face primer to even out your skin’s texture. (Make sure you have been exfoliating on a regular basis).

2. Apply green concealer with a brush over the red areas of the skin and blend. Its green coloration will hide any existing red areas of your face. You want to look for concealer that is creamy and emollient so it glides on and melts onto the skin.

3. Splurge on a quality foundation for maximum effectiveness with an oil free, photo finish, medium to full coverage liquid. Apply the foundation with a brush for even application. I recommend our very own Brianna Michelle Beauty’s “Photo Touch” Mineral Foundation. It is oil free with a medium to full coverage finish.4. Set the foundation with a translucent powder. This light-weight powder will set the foundation to create a flawless finish. Dont worry – it will not rest on the skin’s surface and look cakey. The translucent powder will allow the makeup to last all day, especially in hotter climates or warmer months in cooler locations.

5. For touch-ups during the day or night, use a photo-finish face concealer to cover those blemishes or red bumps.

ALL MAKEUP PRODUCTS USED ON THE DR STEVE SHOW CAN BE PURCHASED HERE INSIDE THE MAKEUP MINUTES STORE!

Gem Crush Finger Nail Polish

Brianna — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 19:13:20 +0000

Sally Hansen has a new finger nail polish out called Gem Crush and it’s “instant head to toe bling!” For over a year, I have been crushing on the thick, gold, sparkly nail polish that – it seems- you can only get in salons, or by the use of the nail stickers. I was eager to try it out since the bottle said “High Impact Bling!” The color looked expensive and very glamorous!

I prefer to wear this shade on my toes since I dont have a tan, yet, on my hands.

The polish has been getting a lot of mixed reviews, but it lasted just about as any nail polish would last- almost a week. A few nail polish tips to keep in mind. Use a base coat before applying the polish. Next, I used three coats of color of this little gem! Last, I used the Seche Vite top coat to give it extra shine! I have used the Seche Vite top coat for years and my polish never chips.

(SIDE NOTE: Nail polish chipping has to do with many factors, not just the nail polish. It can be the strength of your nails, and also the kind of base and top coat you are using, and if you are naturally hard on your hands.)

The Sally Hansen Gem Crush runs $6.99 at CVS- a little pricy for Sally Hansen, but I just love the bling and the thickness of the texture. The brush is thick, so it glides on effortlessly. It feels as though you just got yourself a gel manicure. So, the texture of the polish is nice and thick. This is probably why some reviews are saying that it peels off easily. However, you can’t just put it on, you have to use the base and top coat with it, along with making sure your nails are clean and dont have any emolients on the nail bed such as oil or lotion.

The downside? My only complaint is there are 8 different shades, but I didn’t care for ANY of the shades with the exception of the gold, called Big Money. The colors seem to be not fashion forward and on trend. I would have liked to see some pastels for Spring and maybe a coral.

Overall, I am simply in LOVE with the color, and especially the texture! I will for sure buy this product again and especially if they come out with more shades! It is really a great shade if you are looking for that VERY glam, J. Lo., look and I can only imagine how fabulous it will look once I have a tan!

(I AM WEARING OPI’S MY CHIHUAHUA BITES ON MY FINGER NAILS IN THE ABOVE PHOTO!)

5 “Must Have” Products For Sexy Eyes

Brianna — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 06:29:51 +0000

As I say, Sexy Eyes are the windows to catching a guys attention! 8 out of 10 guys always notice a woman’s eyes first before anything else. So, get ready, dolls, and glam up those baby blues…or browns or greens! Here are my 5 “Must Have” Products for achieving sexy eyes!

FALSE EYELASHES: You can never go wrong with falsies! Not only do they add some length to the eye shape, but they can actually make your eyes look larger and create a nice depth to the eye making it look “oh” so flirty! I recommend lashes by Ardel.

DARK “KOHL”EYELINER: Dont let this get confused with regular eyeliner. “Kohl” eyeliner is best used and safe for lining the inner rim of the eye, or waterline, as we makeup experts call it. It creates a nice contrast to the white portion of the eye, thus creating a sense of mystery and sexiness.

SHIMMERY SHADOW: Stila’s, Kitten, is a stunning, gorgeous shimmer that is very hard to DUPE! It is just the right texture, pigment and shade. Shimmer shadow can draw light up to your face and eyes, thus enhancing and complimenting the darkness of the lashes and eyeliner!

BROW PENCIL/POWDER: The eyebrows are the frames to your eyes. With out a good frame, your eyes will not stand apart from a crowd. I recommend Milani’s Brow Kit or if you like to splurge, Chanel’s Duo Brow Pencil and Brush. The shade should match your natural hair color.

MASCARA: To create a even more depth look, dont skip out on the mascara. I always use several coats. I recommend Dior’s Show for a mascara that doesn’t clump and thickens like crazy! One of my ultimate drugstore favorites is L’Oreal Voluminous in Blackest Black.

Try these 5 techniques and you wont be batting your lashes for long!

Three Affordable Ways To Perfect Skin

Brianna — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 06:23:13 +0000

Achieving perfect skin can sometimes be an expensive and difficult task, especially during the Winter months. However, I wanted to share from my personal experiences, some inexpensive and affordable ways that have helped me get -almost- perfect skin and can help you, too!

1. STEAM

I always notice when I havent given my face a good steam is when I start to break out. Wether you belong to a gym and have access to a steam room, you can also give your self an “at home steam.” By boiling a pot of water and hovering over the pot with a towel over your head, you will begin to release toxins that are under the skin before they lead to a nasty bacterial pimple. Try to stay under the heat for about 5 minutes- the longer you can bear to stay equals perfect skin!

2. JUICE

Juicing is one of the healthiest things you can do. Sure, buying a juicer is a small investment, but this is for your health, your body and well being. Juicing releases toxins and build up in the body. The more we release toxins and get rid of bacteria, the less likely they will appear as a pimple or blemish. There are MANY difference juice drinks you can make, however, you get the most release from “Mean Green Juice”. Every time I drink this juice, my stomach gets nice and flat and my skin starts to glow.

3. SLEEP

I know it seems kind of crazy, but sleep does so many wonderful things for the body, and mind. You know when they say…”get your beauty sleep?” Well, they are right. I notice when I dont get much sleep my skin doesn’t look perfect and looks tired, dry and dull. Did you know that wrinkles can be formed if you are not getting enough sleep? Making sure you get enough sleep, is making sure your skin is restoring up energy for new cell turnover to build up the skin’s tissues.

The little extras do help, especially if you are very stressed. I recently got a huge cluster of pimples around my chin and had to go back and ask myself what have I been doing differently, lately. Well, I hadn’t steamed, and I hadn’t been juicing on a regular basis.

Keep in mind, its important to have a good skincare routine, along with these little added extras. So, try it out and you will see! Your skin will be glowing and shining just in time for Spring!

CLOSED: February Valentines Day Giveaway

Brianna — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 17:57:15 +0000

DEE PRESCOT IS THE WINNER OF THE GIVEAWAY! CONGRATS! THANK YOU TO ALL WHO ENTERED.

This months giveaway is something HOT and SEXY for your sweetheart, or maybe something just HOT and SEXY for you! Here is what’s included in this months giveaway: YOUR CHOICE of 1 pair of Violent Lips Glitteratti, Sephora Favorites: Give Me Some Lip Volume, and Photo Finish Foundation and Concealer from yours truely, Brianna Michelle Beauty.

Give Me Some Lip Volume Includes: Smashbox Lip Enhancing Gloss in Fame, Tarte LipSurgence, Benefits Benetint Rose Lip and Cheek Stain, Kat Von D Painted Love Lipstick in Celebutard, Buxom Big and Healthy Lip Polish in Leslie, Lancome Juicy Tubes in Berry Bold.

ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS ENTER:

1. Comment in the section below and tell us what makeup you wear when you want to look HOT and SEXY!

2. Next, Make sure you have LIKED us on Facebook and SHARE this link on your facebook page!

GOOD LUCK! A Winner will be chosen on February 14th!

How To Apply Eyeshadow

Brianna — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:58:49 +0000

We are heading back to basics with the How To Apply Eyeshadow tutorial! The secret is in your brushes, and a little bit of technique! Scroll past the video to the list of “key” brushes I used for this look! Keep in mind, your brushes should last you forever, so they are a key investment in perfecting any makeup look! FYI, I have had some of my brushes for over 8 years.

BASIC KEY BRUSHES USED FOR THIS LOOK AND ANY EYESHADOW LOOK

Lid Brush MAC #239 ($24.50)

Crease Brush MAC #217 ($22.50)

Blender Brush Stila #9 ($24)

Pencil Brush (Extra Crease, or Smudge Brush) MAC #219 ($24.50)

Small Shadow Brush (under eyebrow) Stila #7 ($20)

ALL BRUSHES CAN BE PURCHASED AT WWW.STILACOSMETICS.COM AND WWW.MACCOSMETICS.COM.

Glitter Nail Polish Tips

Brianna — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 06:50:47 +0000

Have you ever been disappointed when purchasing a glitter nail polish and the glitter comes out very sheer? Here is a little tip making the polish more opaque, vibrant and more noticeable!

Nail Art Pen

Brianna — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 06:34:19 +0000

The nail art pen is a pretty cool concept, so I had to check it out for myself! See what I loved about it and disliked in my product review video!

Nail Art Pen $7 @Beauty.com

How To Wear Bright, Pink Lips

Brianna — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 12:00:42 +0000

Instead of sticking to the traditional red hues, for a statement, give pink lips a try! Fuchsia lipsticks are very feminine and bright that will had a touch of glamour to your makeup!

Rouge Dior Voluptuous 766 Star Fuschia $28

How to Wear Your Fuchsia Lipstick:

Line your lips softly. You dont want a harsh line. For best application, apply with a lip brush.

For a plumper pout, apply a bit of gloss on your lower lip. This will also add a touch of shine to allow your lips to look fresh and trendy.

For longer lasting stay power layer your lip color! Lightly blot after first application, then add translucent powder on top, and then apply another layer of lipstick to ensure your lip look will last all night.

Save the bright lips for occasions when your outfit will be understated.

Fuchsia lips are the only accessory you need to pull together your little black dress or jeans and a classic tee!

Make sure your eye makeup is subdued, try mascara without liner or trade dramatic shadows for neutrals/taupe’s that blend with your skin tones.

Revlon Colorburst 030 Fuschia $6

Remember glam up your makeup look by wearing hot fuchsia lipstick!

By Chantel Keona, Makeup Minutes Contributor, at Simply Gorgeous.

Favorite Nail Trends of 2011

Brianna — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 06:06:12 +0000

I am kind of obsessed with the latest rade of nail art and to celebrate one of the hottest, and rapidly growing trends in beauty, here are my favorite nail trends of 2011! I am one of the first to admit, I collect nail polish shades and change out my polish twice a week. So, with that being said, how could I resist a post on my favorite nail trends of 2011 and what is to come in 2012……..

Pointy Nails

Glitter Nails

Nails with Crystals

Chanel "Fashion" Nails

Nail Stickers

AND THE TREND TO TRY FOR 2012 IS…..

ONE FINGER PAINTED NAIL TREND

Celebrities like, Beyonce and Kelly Roland are already sporting this nail look! So, start grabbing two colors instead of one, and mixing this nail art into your different nail looks! What was your favorite nail look this year? What will you be sporting in 2012?

Winter Inspired Make Up Look | How To Do Eyeliner

Brianna — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 06:33:45 +0000

Here is a under 5 minute How To Do Eyeliner look that as inspired by Winter. It is also one of my favorite make up looks thus far! It also reminds me of a 1960′s or 1970′s eyeliner look that you would see on Sophia Loren or Bridget Bardot.

OTHER PRODUCTS USED FOR THIS LOOK:

Foundation: Makeup For Ever HD Liquid

Concealer: Becca Cosmetics

Powder: Makeup For Ever Translucent HD (White Powder)

False Eyelashes: Select Lash S42

Mascara: Chanel Imitable Intense

Lip Liner: Make Up Forever #1C

Lip Gloss: MAC Underage

Top: Free People

Noir G de Guerlain Mascara

Brianna — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 05:53:02 +0000

Finally, a mascara made easy! Noir G de Guerlain, launching next month, is the first mascara on the market with this cute and clever concept! Inspired by the lipstick, Rouge G, was what drove the inspiration further. It’s luxurious black lacquer packaging, contains a pop up mirror, as well as a refillable compact tube. It will, also, give your senses a whirl, as the formula features rose, jasmine, white musk, and peach. While the color is an intense, jet black, it’s blended of waxes that allow you to keep adding coats of mascara to add length, curl, volume and definition AND it doesn’t flake. The brush is pretty basic.

However, If you are already a glam girl who wears the expensive mascara like Chanel or Dior, I would make the investment for this gem! Not only does the formula compare, but you end up only having to purchase the refill AND you get the cute little mirror for being on the GO! I also would recommend this as a great gift for the girl who has everything! The price for the mascara and compact together retails for $49, yet the refillable mascara will only cost you $26.

Olivier Echaudemaison, global creative director for Guerlain said, “There are two products for which you absolutely need a mirror: lipstick and mascara. We have now solved both.”

Guerlain Cosmetics can be purchased at most luxury retailers, or you can find a location nearest you at www. guerlain.com.