DIY: Magnetic Palette

I know there are tons of different variations on how to do this online and most of them are awesome.  Though, I figured for my own readers I would publish a bit of a DIY.

I have a ton of make up. Probably more than anyone would ever deem necessary - but then again, a girl can never have too much colour.
I've been searching for a while for an empty magnetic palette.
There really isn't anywhere in my city that I was able to find them so I turned to the internet.
I know many artists who swear by Z-Palettes and a few that are MAC fans.
The price for the amount of them that I would need is much more than I can afford.
Combine that with shipping, and well, just not something my wallet can handle.
So, I set out in a way to make my own.

It all started today with a trip to the dollar store.

Here's what I picked up:

1. Some empty DVD cases
2. A roll of pretty wrapping paper
3. A book of letter stickers
4. A roll of adhesive magnetic tape [ I was looking for the sheets but they were sold out everywhere]

Altogether this came to a whopping $10

Step #2

I took the cover out of one of my other DVDs and traced it onto the wrapping paper. I wanted to be sure it would be the same size and fit snuggly into empty case sleeves. 

I cut out 3- one for each case.

I then put lettering on each one indicating what was going to be inside [because they don't have clear lids to see directly inside the case like Z-Palettes do].
That way you can also customize it or change it. It'll come in handy if you're travelling as well.

Step #3

Be sure to break or cut out the DVD holder inside the case. That way it won't damage your make up.

Here's what we have so far:

Step #4

Measure how long the case is and cut your magnetic tape accordingly. A lot of time can be saved here if you are able to find the magnetic sheets. Unfortunately, they were sold out everywhere in the city. So, here's the best alternative.

Step #5

Now, just pop in your shadows/blushes/highlighters and there you go!!!
You can fit just about any size in these guys and they close up tightly. If you want to make them even more compact, you can even put the info right on the spine and store them upright.
As you can see, they're in there secure, I even tipped it upside down so you could see they weren't going to move.

So there you are!
Get out there and be creative! There's endless possibilities on what you can do with your own :)

My Daily Routine

I seem to be on a blogging spree today, though it's simply because this is the first time I've had a chance to sit down and get to all the things I wanted to.
I get asked 100s of questions on a daily basis from clients, but one of the big ones is what my daily routine is.
Most wonder how I can possibly choose one or two products when I have 1000s to choose from in my line of work.
What does it take to make the cut?

My routine changes ever so often when a new product hits the market. Keep in mind, not all are for my skin type and not all work the same for everyone.
I like to be as informed as humanly possibly when new products hit the shelves so I'm able to give my clients all the information they need to make the right choice. I also want them to feel 100% confident in my recommendation.

All that aside, and since I get asked all the time, here's my daily routine as of February 2013.

#1] Cleanse skin
      Biotherm Pure-Fect Skin cleanser
      It's designed specifically for oily/combination skin types and is in a gel formulation.
      It helps to hydrate the skin where it needs it, reduces visible pores, and matifies the skin. It also has a
      great citrus-floral scent to it that helps wake you up on those super tired mornings.

#2] Serum
      Algenist Multi-Perfecting Pore concentrate
      It's a nice light oil-free serum that helps to reduce visible pores and smooths out skins texture.
   
#3] Moisturizer
      Algenist Multi-Perfecting Pore Moisturizing Gel
      A great, lightweight, oil-free gel moisturizer that helps to reduce visible pores and evens texture. It
      absorbs into the skin super quickly and doesn't leave any film. I can go right into my make up
      regime after applying it with no wait time.
      It also doesn't have much of a scent.

#4] Primer
      Stila One Step Correct Primer
      I mentioned this one in a previous blog when I mentioned that I have redness to my skin.
      It's an all in one colour corrective primer serum. Green to banish redness, Purple to elevate sallow tones
      and brighten skin and beige to even out tone. It also helps to hydrate and smooth skin. It even helps to
      diminish fine lines and wrinkles!

#5] Foundation
      Kat Von D Lock-It Tattoo Foundation #44
      See previous review blog to learn about why and how awesome it is!

#6] Powder
      Make Up For Ever Pro Finish #110
      Just a light dusting to help set and matify the foundation. I usually take this compact with me just
      in case I need a touch up at the end of the day.

#7] Eye Shadow Primer
      Too Faced Shadow Insurance
      I've tried tons of different eye shadow primers over the years and have been disappointed by some.
      This one has never let me down. Even with my oily lids, this keeps my eye shadow on and in place.
      It increases the pigment, smooths the lid and leaves everything in place for 12 hours!

#8] Contour
      Too Faced Sun Bunny Bronzer
      I usually switch between this and NARS' Laguna Bronzer. They're both my favorites for contour.

#9] Highlight
      NARS Albatross Highlight
      ALL time favorite highlight!!! Just a pop on the cheek bones, above the brow and in the cupids bow
      and you're good to go!

#10] Blush
     Sephora Collection Baked Blush #4
     There's lots of expensive blushes out there that don't do half a good of a job as this blush. It's a
     combination of matte and sheer that you can swirl into the perfect finish. It leaves a gorgeous
     glow that looks like it's coming from the inside out.

#11] Eye Shadow
      I can't give a specific one since this changes from day to day depending on what look I'm going for.
      But I can assure you, I have shadows from every brand you can imagine! <3

#12] Eye Brows
       Gosh Extreme art liner
       Firstly, I dont' have eyebrows. I wax mine off so I'm able to make fancy detailed brows.
       This is the ONLY liner I've found that can stand up to my oily t-zone. I've even gone swimming
       with this liner on....even been in a sauna and came out with my brows still in place.
       It also has an array of colours that allow me to match my brows with my hair colour.

#13] Eyeliner
       Sephora Collection 12 HR liquid liner
       LOVE LOVE LOVE this liner! It comes in amazingly vibrant colours, stays in place, has a great
       accurate brush and even better, they're only $14 CDN! You can't go wrong with this liner!

#14] Mascara
        Givenchy Noir Couture Mascara
       I try different mascaras everytime a  new one comes out.
       Though, this guy has become a new favorite among all the ones I've tired in the past year. It gives
       nice full lashes, TONS of length! I love the triple ball brush. It allows for easy application and hits
       every single lash.

#15] Lips        This changes daily! Most days I'm a red lip gal and usually sport a stain. But occasionally
         I've been known to jazz it up by popping a waterproof eye shadow pencil on with a gloss
         top coat. It's a great way to get a crazy colour without the price!

When I see it all in point form [not including my hair], it's amazing that I manage all this in a mere 45 minutes [that includes getting dressed for work].
So there it is, what I do every single morning. :)

Kat Von D: Lock-It Tattoo Foundation

Hands down my favorite foundation.
I can't even think about what I used before it and I can't even think of anything else I'd love to use more.

If you read my previous blog about picking the perfect foundation, then you'll have an idea why what I'm about to say is so important. I have an oily T-zone/combination skin type. Meaning, that I get insanely shiny on my forehead and nose [also, I should mention to any of my oily T-zone comrades, that does include your eyelids! So be sure to wear an eye shadow primer always! Otherwise, you're going to be left with a creasy, greasy mess shortly throughout your day].
I'm also very fair skinned [thank you lack of sunshine and being a retail whore who spends 50 hours a week inside], so that means I also experience redness in my skin. Especially across the cheeks.
I don't suffer much from break outs, aside from that one week a month where mother nature informs me that I'm not having a baby and forces me to seek out copious amounts of chocolate. But when that does arise, I like to have it covered up.

I finally found a foundation that can do everything I've ever dreamed of and more.
I don't even use a concealer anymore, it's that good.

May I introduce you to: Kat Von D: Lock-it Tattoo Foundation.

It's an oil free, full coverage foundation that comes in a huge shade range. I've heard many people complain about the undertone being either too pink or too yellow, but I've personally experienced neither as a problem- both on myself and clients.
Not only is it full coverage, it's a 24 hour wear and it's also water resistant.

I can attest to it's staying power since I put it through more than most people would.
Other than wearing it on a daily basis under scalding florescent lights for 9 hours at at time, the true test came at a recent concert.
I had floor tickets to the local Marilyn Manson show. The floor can be rowdy sometimes and people have a tendency to drink too much and to get too involved with those around them. I've always been the kinda gal to defend herself and I've always been the gal you don't want to try to push in front of. If anyone is getting to the front of the crowd, it's me. Not you.
Needless to say, without going into detail, I took 3 full cups of beer to the face during that show [a waste of beer if you ask me, especially when they cost $7.25 a cup]. That, combined with the sweat and tears, when the lights came on, I was still flawless! When I ran into friends, they had thought I had seat tickets!
This foundation kicked some ass.

The big key with this product is in the application. You cannot use a paddle style foundation brush. It will lay down too much product and it looks streaky. It'll feel thick and gross and you'll hate it.
I use the Sephora Pro Airbrush #55 personally, but you can also use any kabuki style brush [no, they're not just for powder!]. It allows easier spread of the product, it also gives a beautifully flawless airbrush finish to the skin.

For areas that need a bit more coverage [like those pesky break outs], I just use a tiny dab of the foundation with my fingers and gently pat and roll it over the spot. It covers it quickly and without using a concealer.

It has more of a satin-matte finish to it as opposed to a pure matte, which I like, so I tend to use a powder over top as well. Remember, I'm under lights all day long and have clients inspecting it all day. I use Make up for Ever Pro Finish #110 over top. Just lightly though. I just want to get rid of shine.
In case you were wondering, I wear #44 in Kat Von D Lock-It tattoo foundation.

And last, but certainly not least, never forget to wear a primer!!!!!
Kat recommends using her priming elixir but for us oily folks you might not dig the texture. I know I hated it. If you are drier, you'll probably LOVE it.
In the world of primers, my one love is Stila's one step correct primer.

All in all, if I were to give this foundation a rating out of 10, it would most definitely be a 10!!!

[And this is what it looks like after wearing it for 13 hours, un-retouched]

                                                     You can buy it exclusively at Sephora


***UPDATE*** 3.7.13
For those of you who have stated that they can't find this foundation anywhere and that Sephora is bone dry, you're right. The reason is that KVD has changed manufacturers for the product. It will be returning online and onto shelves in May. However, there is an option online to have them email you when the product is available again. Simply choose the shade you need that is out of stock and a message will prompt with the request for your email. Please remember that although you will receive an email that it's instock online, that does not mean that all stores received it at the same time. So please be patient - Sephora gals will have it out when they have it. Also, most stores do have a call request list if you ask :)

***UPDATE***3.27.13
Some of the foundations have started arriving in stores again! YAY!
I was able to pick up more Light42 [I've decided I want to go a shade lighter] yesterday. Call your location first since they're slowly coming back and not all stores have gotten stock yet]

HELP! I need a new foundation!!!

Over the years I've probably tried 100s of different foundations; constantly searching for that one that will do everything I could ever want.

But whenever you're searching for a new foundation there are a few questions you have to ask - and these are the same questions I ask clients when they come to me with the question "Can you help me find a new foundation?"

#1] What type of skin do you have?
       Dry to Normal?
       Combination to Oily?

This is going to help determine what type of ingredients we're looking for. It also helps to determine what type of primer would be suitable. For example, if you're a drier skin type I might suggest a hydrating primer or a foundation that has hydrating properties [such as Smashbox Photofinish Hydrating Foundation Primer and NARS Sheer Glow foundation ].

#2] How much coverage are you looking for?
      Sheer?
      Medium?
      Full?

If you're looking for a SHEER COVERAGE, some great options would be a BB Cream, a tinted moisturizer [Laura Mercier makes one of the top ones available and comes in regular, oil-free and Illuminating] or Urban Decay's NAKED foundation.

If you're a MEDIUM COVERAGE seeker, you've got a lot to choose from!
Though, some of my personal favorites and go-tos would be NARS sheer glow  ]or NARS Sheer Matte if you're looking for a matte finish].
Benefit Hello Flawless Foundation [It leaves a more radiant finish to the skin,it's also oil-free making it great if you fall into the combination-oily category and it has an SPF25]
Make Up For Ever HD foundation is a great way to get a flawless look with little effort. Despite the foundation being amazing, there's a few application techniques that help you achieve it faster. Look for a blog about this foundation soon! But back to why you Medium Coverage folks will love it...it's oil-free, again, great for all skin types [though, if you're dry you might want to try the HD hydrating Elixir first].
There's many that fall into this category, but there are my favorites.

My personal favorite, FULL COVERAGE.
There's many many myths that surround a full coverage foundation. One being that they're "cakey" or heavy. And that may in fact be true if they're applied improperly. It could be because the incorrect brush is being used in application, it could be that it's not appropriate for their skin type, it could be because of the primer they're using [or lack of] and last but not least, and this is usually the culprit, they're covering said full coverage foundation with a full coverage powder and most likely the wrong colour.
In the world of full coverage there aren't many that have made my grade.
My number one pick [and soon I'll give you a review] is Kat Von D Lock-it Tattoo foundation. I'm in LOVE with this foundation! It's oil-free, satin matte finish, 24 hour wear, water resistant, fragrance free and paraben free.
Another great one in a full coverage is Laura Mercier Silk creme foundation. This one is not my personal favorite, but I have TONS of clients who love the texture. It has a soft silky feel to it and helps to hydrate the skin. Great for my dry folks who want a full coverage with a natural finish.
You want to look like you're made of porcelain? Then I have your answer right here, Make Up For Ever Mat Velvet Foundation. It's oil free, super mattifying and is waterproof.
A little bit off the beaten track when you think of full coverage foundations, we have a couple of new contenders. Well, one isn't exactly "new" but it's going to make a splash again soon.
If you're looking for full coverage, have dry-normal skin or have sensitive skin and like something with skin care properties then you're going to love Josie Maran Tinted Moisturizer. And yes, it is a tinted moisturizer!
The only downside of this product is the small shade selection. If you're on the fair to medium end you'll be fine. They only falter when it comes to darker shades.
The newest kid of the block and becoming a fan favorite by my colleagues is this little gem, Too Faced Air Buffed BB cream. And what's so great about it? Well, firstly, there's NOTHING else like it. It's a cream to matte powder FULL COVERAGE BB cream. It does all the amazing things you've read about BB creams plus it gives you the full coverage you want with an amazing matte finish.
Not sure about how to apply it or what to use? They answered that with the perfect teddy bear brush that comes right on top! If you haven't see it yet, I HIGHLY recommend you check it out.

#3] What finish are you looking for?
       Natural?
       Matte?

I managed to answer what foundations would be best for both of these finishes in question #2 but don't forget that if you can't find the proper coverage with the finish you like and you like a matte finish, then don't be afraid to add a powder. There are some great options out there and most can be used as a foundation on their own.  A couple to keep an eye on  are Sephora Collection Matte foundation compact [ they recently changed over the formulation and packaging for this product. All of the older ones are no longer available online and you can still find some left at certain Sephora locations.]. Like all Sephora Collection products, it delivers on its promises and is paraben free.
Another one, and a personal favorite, is the brand new Make Up For Ever Pro-Finish. It's a beautiful wet-dry matte finish powder that goes on beautifully! I've read a few reviews and have and a few clients mention some issues they've had with the product. I can at least try to dispel a couple of them here for you.

Problem:
When I use it wet with the sponge it looks streaky.
Solution:When it dries, gently buff it out with your sponge or with a kabuki brush. You'll see the difference immediately.

Problem:There's a film forming on the surface of my compact.
Solution:I'll bet money that you have an oily skin type. I'll also bet money that you haven't thought to wash the sponge. When you apply it to rid your face of shine, you're transferring all the oils from your face to the sponge and then all over your make up. The sponges that come with your compact are washable for that reason.

Problem:The glue came off the pan and now it's falling out of the compact
Solution:I had this same thing happen to mine. It takes about 30 seconds to fix. If you have a hot glue gun, use it. If you dont' you'll find that crazy glue, or christ, even nail glue, will fix it right back in place. No need to return it to the store.

And last, but not least, I didn't forget about powder lovers who aren't matte finish lovers, Too Faced Absolutely Invisible Candlelight Powder. You can also purchase this in a duo that has a pink undertone to it as well. Both look amazing for an all over glow or to use for highlighting.
Stila Set & Illuminate baked trio powder. This product is beautiful! It's a baked formulation and features a "cutter wheel" to shave the product so you're never getting more than you need. Not only is it an illuminator, it's also a setting powder.
And, like with most, if not all, Stila products, it's free of parabens, sulfates, GMO's, & synthetic colour.

Hopefully at least some of this was helpful in choosing the right foundation for you and maybe answered a couple of your questions. At the very least, these are a few questions to keep in mind when you're shopping for a new foundation.
It's also helpful when you're getting assistance at a make up counter/store if you can tell your clerk what you're needs are. Also be sure to mention your price range. Foundations can be anywhere from $15-$100s.
Try to avoid being shown products that are beyond your price range. You're not only wasting your own time but your clerks as well and they want to be sure that they find the perfect foundation for your needs.

Another helpful hint in the search for the perfect foundation, if you're stuck between a couple, don't forget that most make up stores/counters also offer free samples.
Every single Sephora store worldwide does and just because they don't offer it to you right away, doesn't mean you shouldn't ask. You're not "bothering" them and they really love being able to do it for you.  <3

Anything else you're wondering about?
Feel free to drop a comment below & I'll do my best to get the answer!