Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Bye Bye, Shu Uemura



Today is a sad day for Shu Uemura fans. New York Fashion, WWD, and multiple other sources have confirmed that Shu Uemura, the Japanese luxury cosmetics brand, will no longer sell to the United States anymore. This is truly sad news! I would often browse Shu Uemura in Bloomingdale's, and was wowed with the brand's creativity, especially the exquisite variety of false lashes! I've always wanted the curly rainbow ones below!




According to New York Fashion, Shu Uemura (owned by L'Oreal) will no longer sell to the United States, due to the recent drop in sales. The brand will focus more on expanding growth globally; this change will not effect any Asian markets that currently carry this brand. However, there is a glimmer of hope - Shu Uemura promises that their products will still be available for online purchase to US residents! No word if that is their full inventory of products or a limited inventory though. Stay tuned!


Monday, March 29, 2010

Passionate About Purple



I'm from Jersey. I work in New York City. All I see, wear and live is black clothing, black makeup, etc. Once in a while, you need to break out and say, "Hey, there ARE other colors!" Hence, here it is. Purple things that I am passionate about.

Urban Decay - Rockstar Glitter
When you need a little fun and edge, Urban Decay's glitter is amazing. Use a primer, then apply a nude shadow. I like to line my upper lids with this glitter, very rock and roll!

Sephora - Eye Shadow in Chrome Mono No. 2
Intense color is here! Tired of sheer, nude, light eye shadows? Rebel! Pick one of Sephora's Mono colors. I would go lightly on the mascara with this one, and no eye liner...the color is intense enough to make your eyes stand out.

MAC Cosmetics - Pigment in Quietly
Who doesn't love a MAC Pigment?! They seem to last FOREVER, and the colors are so bold and vibrant. I love Quietly, because it brings out the green flecks in my brown eyes.

Urban Decay - Eye Shadow in Ransom
Similar to the Sephora Mono Shadow, it makes a statement for sure. I like to mix a lighter purple shadow (like MAC's Winter Sky below)for the inner corners of my eyes, and use Ransom on the outer corners as a smoky eye look.

MAC Cosmetics - Small Eye Shadow in Winter Sky
I love this color. It's great by itself with a bit of mascara, because it gives a hint of color without being overpowering. Or to jazz it up, add some purple eye liner or load on the mascara to the top and bottom lashes to instantly update your look.

DKNY - Be Delicious Night Rollerball
I am a rollerball ADDICT! They last a long time, and save the day. I always keep one in my purse for emergencies, like this DKNY rollerball. It's nice to freshen up before you go out after work.

Urban Decay - Clean & Sober Makeup Remover
I'll confess, I bought this makeup remover just because it had a mermaid on it and I'm weirdo. In my defense, I did need a new makeup remover!

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Luxury Fragrances For Luxury Snobs

It's tough for me not to be a label snob, especially when it comes to fragrance. Over the years, I've bought and collected tons of fragrances and perfumes, all having varying notes and scents. I do switch up which one I use each day, just to keep things fresh.

There are many categories in which a fragrance can be classified. There are also many "notes" within one fragrance. Floral, Oriental, Woody and Fresh are the four main categories - other sub categories combine one or more of the above.

Now, what does that mean? Well, when selecting a new fragrance, a lot of times someone will ask you what type of scent attracts you. Below are a few of my favorite fragrances, accompanied by what category and/or notes it contains.



Chanel No. 5
Category/Notes: Abstract

It is tough to put your finger on what notes Chanel No.5 is composed of, especially because it is considered an "abstract" fragrance. This fragrance wonder has withstood the test of perfume time and continues to be wildly popular - Chanel No.5 was introduced in 1921! A very distinct and full scent, it is best to wear it in the evening, AND in moderation. Coco Chanel's goal when creating this perfume many years ago was to "Make a woman's fragrance that smells like a Woman" We think she nailed it.

Dolce and Gabbana - Light Blue
Category/Notes: Floral, Citrus, hint of Musk

Light Blue has been a favorite of mine for a few years now. The feminine, sweet smell always reminds me of a tropical vacation - the Light Blue ad with the model on a boat in the middle of the ocean sums it up perfectly! It's light and pretty enough to wear during the day, and sexy and musky enough to wear during the evening. I seem to get a lot of "Wow, you smell great!" compliments when I wear Light Blue (always appreciated)!

Bond No. 9 - Fashion Avenue
Category/Notes: Fresh, Floral, Green, Sexy/Sultry

Bond No. 9 New York has many fascinating fragrances - they are all named after places, streets or parks within New York. Fashion Avenue, Little Italy, Bryant Park and Chinatown are just to name a few. The Bond No. 9 name comes from the address of their headquarters - 9 Bond St, Noho NY. The company's goal is to create a scent for every part of New York in an artistic way. My favorite is Fashion Avenue - it smells sexy and sophisticated, and I attended college at Fashion Institute of Technology - right on Fashion Avenue!


True Religion Jeans - True Religion for Women
Category/Notes: Fruits, Florals, Warm and Sensual

True Religion for Women gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling. It perfectly captures True Religion's boho-chic, laid-back style of clothing. This is the type of fragrance the jeans and t-shirt type chick would wear to the beach. Plus, I love the bottle!


Fendi - Palazzo
Category/Notes: Rose, Orange Blossom, Bergamot

In the passed, many people have said Rose-scented perfumes were for old ladies. Not the case here! It is a little more sophisticated than the rest of my favorites, but I wouldn't say you should get out your cane and reading glasses just yet. The orange blossom and bergamot notes freshen it up, and it becomes an attention-grabbing scent. Almost piercing. Ladies who wear this fragrance need to WORK IT!

Share your favorite fragrances with us!

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Makeup Majesty's Dream Boards

I've been making dream boards ever since I was a little girl. I would rip up my mother's NEW magazines before she got the chance to read them (she wasn't very happy) and tear out photos and ideas that appealed to me visually. Sometimes, it takes me weeks, even months to collect an array of photos and images that I feel are "complete" to make one of the boards.

Over the years, I've used dream boards and collaging as a creative outlet and a way for me to wind down from my busy day and relax. I've made them for myself as decorative pieces, and for my friends and family upon their requests. Currently, i'm working on two more boards for two very special people! Enjoy!


Displayed in My Apartment



Displayed on My Friend's Desk at Work



Displayed on My Desk at Work


Displayed on My Desk at Work

Thursday, March 25, 2010

H&M Beauty - New Arrivals!

Get excited, H&Mers! As previously reported on Makeup Majesty, there have been cupcake sightings in H&M stores all around NYC. Cupcakes, you ask? Yes, cupcake lipgloss!



Now, H&M has launched a new line of makeup and personal care products. The beauty line includes - body scrub, body butter, body wash, hand wash, nail lacquer, lip balm, eye shadow palette, shower gel, body lotion, and makeup cases.



The majority of products came in three flavors: vanilla apple, pink grapefruit and peach blossom.



The New Additions to the H&M Family




Nail Lacquers





Butterfly Lip Balm





Eye Palette





Lip Balm - Vanilla Kiss





Vanilla Kiss Lip Balm and Vanilla Cupcake Lipgloss

Thanks to my doll Flower for the photo





What do we think? I think the packaging is pretty cute! Besides the cupcake lipgloss, I haven't tried anything from the H&M beauty line yet. Has anyone else tried anything? Share with us! xoxo



Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Cracked, Split, Train-Wreck LIPS

This frigid winter weather kicked my ass in so many ways – I was unable to wear cute dresses to work because it was too cold, the awful snow ruined a pair of my patent leather boots, and of course, the WORST – my lips are so dry, cracked and flakey!

OK, so what to do? To get my lips “in shape” for the warmer months, I set out on a mission – to find a great lip balm or lip conditioner to revive my lips and make them soft and silky once again.

I purchased two new makeup products (I know, I need to STOP), and also suggest an old favorite of mine that is always trustworthy.

Tarina Tarantino – Conditioning Lip Sheen
Shade: Showroom

Since I’m having a love affair with Tarina’s Gem Gloss (see older review), I wanted to try another product from the famed jewelry designer’s new beauty line. I was having trouble choosing a shade, since I really liked a few of the pinks. I settled on Showroom, and think it is a great shade and formula! For those of us who hate very “wet” and messy lip glosses or moisturizers, this lip sheen is great. It looks like a lipstick, but is more like a chapstick – with a major color upgrade. It goes on very smooth, and fills in all the damaged areas in your lips. It has a nice matte finish, which is also why I chose it. I’ve been favoring glittery and shimmery products lately, so I decided to switch it up with a different type of finish. Very unique and pretty, Tarina scores major points with me yet again!

Bare Escentuals Buxom – Big & Healthy Lip Balm
Shade: Wakiki

I’m not very familiar with Buxom; this is the first product I’ve purchased from the line. Buxom is a color line extension to the Bare Escentuals beauty products. Again, with many things, the packaging drew me in - very cute and girly! I opened it up, and loved the fact that it had a mirror inside. It sounds silly, but comes in handy when you’re digging around in your bag for one! The next thing I noticed was how amazing it smelled, very tropical and fruity (Wakiki being a good name, haha). The balm is VERY moisturizing and silky. It has more of a sheen finish, not so much of a shine. It’s very versatile – I would wear it to the beach or to the office. It’s ladylike and pretty, and just gives you a hint of color. LOVE.

MAC Cosmetics – Lip Conditioner

This has been a favorite of mine for a few years now! As I’m sure many MAC addicts like myself would agree, you can never go wrong with the lip conditioner – very moisturizing, silky and shiny. It’s colorless though, so look elsewhere if you’re looking for a tinted balm. You can wear this conditioner alone, or on top of any lipstick to instantly give it a new look. Works well in any season, and never fails if your lips need a big drink of moisture!

What do you think? Has anyone tried any of these, or tried any other products? Let us know! <3

Monday, March 22, 2010

Crazy About Cream...Shadows!

Hi Makeup Addicts! Since I got such great feedback and LOVE from you ladies on my Eye Liner reviews, I figured i'd share with you some of my favorite Cream Eye Shadows of all time! Read up and enjoy!


Illamasqua - Liquid Metal
Shade: Enrapture

Illamasqua is one of my new favorite brands, it reminds me of MAC with a different type of edge. This shadow is so beautiful! It's highly-pigmented and intense, definitely will make your eyes stand out. I prime my eyes, and use either a flat eye shadow brush (like MAC's #242 brush) or my fingers. If i'm going to apply eye liner on top of the shadow, I usually let the shadow dry for a few minutes before laying. This shade (Enrapture) is a great day to night color that will make a statement.


Too Faced - Lockdown Ultimate Creaseless Cream Eye Shadow
Shades: I'm Guilty (Teal Blue) and Bondage (Ivory)

This is truly the first of its kind, a NO CREASE CREAM EYE SHADOW. This is no joke - Too Faced means business! I purchased Bondage first, and it has become a staple in my every day beauty routine. It is a go-to, no-fail color that looks good on everyone, and it really does stay put all day! Unlike Illamasqua's shadow, these Too Faced shadows are more on the sheer and shiny side. I loved the formula so much, that I went back to Sephora and purchased the shadow in another shade - I'm Guilty (sounds about right...)This teal color is so fun for spring/summer! I keep both creaseless shadows in my beach bag - they are great to throw on when you aren't wearing a lot of makeup and always look shiny and pretty. A must-have in my opinion!

NARS - Cream Eye Shadow
Shade: Corfu

Similar to the Too Faced Creaseless Eye Shadows, the NARS Cream Eye Shadow is subtle and sheer. I like wearing this shade (Corfu) with a little mascara and bright lips. It looks natural and flawless - unfortunately, it will crease after some time. Since the application is silky and easy, I'll sneak off to the bathroom for a mid-day touch up!


Urban Decay - Precious Metals
Shade: Platinum

This product screams REBELLIOUS! The shadow name says it all - Precious Metal: Platinum. The color is extremely metallic, shiny and BOLD. I'd say mostly a night time color, I really go all out with my eyes when using this shadow! Once I let it dry, I like to apply a thick strip of liquid liner to the lash line, then apply false lashes. Instant diva makeup.


Yves Saint Laurent - Eye Colour Touch Water Resistant Shadow
Shade: Luminous Toffee

This is an excellent "on the go" shadow. With a built-in applicator brush, you could even put it on without using a mirror. This YSL Shadow has a high-shine, glow factor that makes for instant pretty doe-eyes. I keep this product in my desk at work and love it.





Partners in PRIME
Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer & Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion

With all the amazing cream eye shadows above, you absolutely HAVE TO HAVE a good primer base. If any eye shadow is going to work for you all day, you must properly coat your lid with a primer first. I alternate between Urban Decay's Primer Potion and Smashbox Photo Finish. The best way to describe the difference between the two primers, is the Urban Decay primer is dryer and has a powder-like finish. The Smashbox Lid Primer is wetter and creamier, so only use a tiny amount each time or you will have a mess on your hands. =)

Was this helpful, chicks? Are there any Cream Eye Shadows that you can't LIVE without? Share them with us!

Friday, March 19, 2010

Liquid Liner Love

Let's face it, most of us can't LIVE without eye liner. For those of us who use eye liner in our every day makeup routine, it is insanely important to find just the right eye liner. You want it to stay intact throughout the day, without smearing or smudging or creasing. This, as we know, is not such an easy task since most of us are running around like crazy people with work, school, social lives and so on.

I've tried four different liquid liners from four different brands. I wore each one all day, and kept track of how it looked throughout the day.

MAC Cosmetics - Penultimate Eyeliner


I am a huge MAC fan. I bought the Penultimate liner and wore it all day. The tip of the liner is very long and flexible, which made it a little difficult for me to apply. I used a primer and nude eyeshadow, and applied the Penultimate to my lash line. It looked nice at first, but by the 3rd hour of working it kind of wore off and got smeared a bit. I'm a believer in long-lasting makeup and hate reapplying eye makeup during the day, so unfortunately this liner did not pass the longevity test!

Sephora Brand - Doe-Eyed Liner Pen

This is the first Sephora Brand product i've ever purchased, so I wasn't sure what to expect from this liner. Same as above, I used a primer and nude eyeshadow, and applied the Doe-Eyed liner to my lash line. The application was fairly easy and I liked the formula. I checked my makeup throughout the day and it seemed like this liner was staying put. The only trouble began when I went to remove the liner with my makeup remover and it BURNED! My eyes felt like they were on fire. Therefore, it was long lasting but I don't think I would wear it again since the removal was painful!

Smashbox - Heartbreaker Liquid Liner Pen

Simply put, I am IN LOVE with this product. It has kicked out any other liner i've used, and has become part of my daily makeup routine. While browsing Ulta Beauty, the girly Heartbreaker packaging caught my attention and I started playing with the products. Always on the lookout for the next best product, I purchased the Liquid Liner Pen to see if it passed my test. The application was flawless, the black color was extremely BLACK, and the line looked sharp and crisp. It stayed on all day, from 7am until 6pm when I returned home from work. It allows you to achieve that perfect winged-tip eye that every woman is after. This liner is truly great, well done Smashbox!

Urbay Decay - Ink For Eyes

I love Urban Decay's products. However for my "test," this eye liner did not make the cut. Ink for Eyes comes with a dual-sided brush applicator, which is a useful brush...I was hopeful about this one! I had trouble applying the liner to my lash line, and found it to be very smudgy and messy. During the day, I look for liners that have longevity, not so much a "smoky eye look." So, this liner did not pass the day test BUT it wasn't a total waste. I use Ink for Eyes on the outside corners of my eyes when trying to achive a smoky eye look for night time.

Ladies, what do you think? Any comments or reccommendations as to "day time" eye liners that are long-lasting? Share them with us! xoxo

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

H&M Makes...Cupcakes???



Cupcake LIPGLOSS that is! H&M has branched out and created a low-cost line of beauty products. I know what some of you are thinking...really? Yes, really. I found it strange at first too.

I was browsing the jewelry section in H&M on 58th and Lexington, and stumbled across the makeup products completely accidentally. "What...." I thought. I started investigating, and these tiny, adorable cupcake lipglosses were too irresistible! And for $2.95, what the hell!



These tiny treats come in a variety of flavors, including Strawberry, Raspberry & Vanilla. The gloss inside is more of a lip balm than a gloss - it goes on your lips smoothly & looks sheer. And of course, it smells great! I keep mine next to my computer at work, just in case I need a "sugar" fix!

Monday, March 15, 2010

Makeup Mayhem, Madness and Menacing Behavoir

Photoshoot of Makeup Mayhem, Madness and Menacing Behavior.
Enter at your own risk.

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Modeled by: unTruhero
Photographs by: Makeup Majesty

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Best Art Body Painting, Skeletal On The Back


Best Art Body Painting, Skeletal On The Back
Best Art Body Painting, Skeletal On The BackBest Art Body Painting, Skeletal On The Back



Sunday, March 14, 2010

Too Faced - Smoky Eye and Natural Eye Boxes




OK, so there is nothing "new" about the classic smoky eye look. Starlets, celebrities and women everywhere have been wearing this sultry and seductive look for decades. It seems like the smoky eye has withstood the test of cosmetics time. BUT, most chicks have a tough time achieving the look on their own, myself included!

The Too Faced Eye Shadow Boxes (each sold separately) make it almost idiot-proof to apply the smoky eye, or natural eye look at home. Each box consists of three separate looks:

Natural Eye: Fashion, Classic and Day




Smoky Eye: Fashion Smoke, Day Smoke and Classic Smoke



It doesn't get any easier, ladies! You will be impressed with how defined and intense your eyes will look after following the directions, whether it be Natural Day Eye while going shopping or Fashion Smoky Eye when going out at night. These Shadow Boxes are great for leaving at work, in your car, etc so you can easily switch up your eye makeup at a moment's notice. Experiment with different looks and colors, have fun!

MAC Cosmetics Too Fabulous - Cremesheen Glass






As MAC describes this launch, "Cheeks and Lips get the pretty young thing treatment." The collection consists of six lip pencils, six mineralize blushes, and nine delicious shades of Cremesheen Glass!

As MAC addicts know, the Cremesheen Glass is a limited item...we are so happy that it's BACK! I would describe a Cremesheen as silky, bold, and long-lasting without being cakey or flakey.

The Cremesheen Glass & lip pencil combination that I purchased, was the Loud & Lovely Cremesheen Glass ($18) and the Trimmed in Pink lip pencil ($13). These two were a match made in Makeup Heaven. My lips with both products on are above!

I like to fill in my entire lips with the lip pencil, then gloss over it with the Cremesheen. The results are lustrous, sexy and attention-getting! By filling your lips in with the lip pencil, your gloss will stay intact for hours.

With bold lips like this, I try to go very light on the eyes to avoid looking like a circus freak with pounds of makeup (usually just a light coating of mascara and a nude, muted shadow).

Not huge on bright lips? Not a problem - Too Fabulous offers Cremesheen Glasses in many neutral and subdued shades such as Partial to Pink, Boy Bait & Fashion Scoop. Happy shopping, MACites.

Sexy cindy bonica body


Sexy cindy bonica body
Sexy cindy bonica body
Sexy cindy bonica bodySexy cindy bonica body



Saturday, March 13, 2010

Pacifica Body Butter


While browsing Sephora on my lunch break (I know, surprise surprise) I came across the Pacifica Skincare and perfume line. Pacifica offers fragrances, body lotions and butters, soaps, candles and so forth. The pretty, feminine packaging caught my eye. The next step? Smelling and trying EVERYTHING.

I bought the Pacifica Body Butter in Hawaiian Ruby Guava. This product makes me want to jet to an island and drink a tropical cocktail straight out of a coconut! The scent is so sweet and refreshing - a perfect little "vacation" from the cold weather and snow plaguing us as of late.

The formula is very thick, more like a cream than a lotion. It is perfect for thirsty winter skin and when you need a little mood boost. The scent is pretty long lasting, without being overpowering and "stinky." Until the summer comes, I will put this vacation-in-a-jar to good use!

A Very Sparkly Affair!

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Body painting with interest as the beauty of ink sketch


Body painting with interest as the beauty of ink sketch
Body painting with interest as the beauty of ink sketch
Body painting with interest as the beauty of ink sketchBody painting with interest as the beauty of ink sketch