Welcome to another installment of Bionic Beauty Homemade with Joycey Couture!

Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentine’s day- if there is only one thing in the world that is a certainty in life it’s that we all have chocolate in the house this time of year.

Once regarded as bad for our health, research has proven that dark chocolate is healthy- and not just to eat. The compounds found in chocolate can actually benefit the skin.

Time to melt down that left over Christmas candy!

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tbsp cream, plain yogurt, or sour cream
• 3 tsp oats

Sooth your skin throughout the candy season with this scrumptious chocolate face mask!

Directions:

Place all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. Apply the mixture to your clean, dry skin and leave on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.

Enjoy!

Stay Bionic,

Looking for the best bang-for-your-buck in the makeup aisle? Aren’t we all these days? I know my personal “fluff” beauty budget is beyond tight. I’m pinching half pennies at this point. Hence, I thought this new feature on Total Beauty might help us all out. It’s got ideas for those of us watching every makeup and skin care cent, and for those of us on a looser-budget.

What recommendations did Total Beauty have for you? Are there any celeb looks that inspired you to dig out some stuff from your makeup tote to copy?

Can you believe that it’s almost September? I don’t know where the time has gone. It seems I was just planning articles for Spring 2010 and now I’m brainstorming ideas for Halloween makeup tutorials. It’s craziness, I tell ya!

Anyhow, as an “intro” to this Fall’s beauty and makeup trends, I’m linking to a guide by Total Beauty. This way until I get a chance to run-down all the trends I see approaching, and how to achieve them without spending a fortune on new makeup (which is fun… but can play hell on your budget!).

Do you plan to follow any of the new Fall 2010 makeup trends? Which are your favorites?

Urban Decay launched their “Ink for Eyes” cream eyeliners in the fall of 2009. I finally got my mitts on Zero which is a true pitch black. Five other colors round out the collection: a deep blue (Binge), forest green (Loaded), dark violet (Empire), dark cool-toned brown (Demolition) and a clear sparkly liner (Pyrotechnics).

Bionic reviews Urban Decay's Ink for Eyes cream eyeliner

All of UD’s Ink for Eyes eyeliners come packaged in a long, thin rectangular compact complete with mirror, taklon liner brush and a sponge-tip smudger. The packaging is a bit edgy and certainly different than the typical pots of cream or gel eyeliners that I’m used too. It fits well in my purse makeup case.

The black wasn't very inky for me... but it was super soft & smooth!

The pigmentation wasn’t as true as I had hoped- I had to apply layer after layer to get a dark smokey line. You can see from my photos that it was still slightly sheer on me. However, there was absolutely NO drag, pull or clumping thanks to UD’s new proprietary “Nylon 12″ ingredient. The Nylon 12 is probably similar to the silicone or dimethicone ingredients in other eyeliners that glide on effortlessly. However, I say probably because I’m not a UD chemist, so I can’t give a definite answer.

I also didn’t have any problems with loss of color or smearing through the day.

No clumping, no smudging; but not enough pigment for my taste.

I like the Ink for Eyes cream eyeliner well enough, but I’m not in love. It doesn’t hold a candle to my Black Cherry gel liner from Purely Cosmetics!

You can find the Urban Decay Ink for Eyes liners at Ulta stores for $22 each. Have you tried the new Ink for Eyes liners? Do you have a favorite gel or cream eyeliner?

Here’s a new brand for Bionic Beauty readers- MakeUp Designory, also called MUD. I’ve got two of their eyeshadows to swatch and review for you as a “quick intro” to this makeup brand!

First up… Cajun Spice eye shadow ~

Joycey Couture reviews MUD's eye shadow in Cajun Spice

Cajun Spice is a brilliant copper eye shadow packed with mica (i.e. shimmer). It applied nicely with no dusting or fallout. It didn’t even drop into my lashes! MUD’s packaging is cute. Their single eye shadows are packaged in a sleek circular compact with a clear flip top. The packaging is sort of a cross between Sephora’s single shadows and Milani’s shadows.

This color would work year-round, regardless of trends. It’s perfect for playing up your faux tan in the summer, and warming your face during the doldrums of winter.

Cajun Spice from the side, in natural/soft light.

But I saved the best part for last… Cajun Spice is very pigmented! This shadow formula is the closest I’ve found to Milani’s in terms of ease of application, wear, and color payoff.

My second MUD eye shadow is Tinsel ~

MUD's Tinsel makes a wonderful all-over highlighter!

Tinsel is a bright, pure silver. It’s not as pigmented as Cajun Spice, but acts as more of a glimmer-loaded highlighter. I’ve been using it on my browbone, inner eye corners, bridge of nose, or just a bit above the cupid’s bow of my lips. Apply it over a matte eye shadow to instantly add shine and shimmer. I can see Tinsel dominating my makeup looks during the winter holidays!

Besides Tinsel and Cajun Spice, MakeUp Designory offers 39 other colors of eye shadows. There’s sure to be one to suit you! MUD’s eyeshadows run $13.50 each and are available on MudShop.com.

Stay Bionic,

I grabbed some new makeup goodies while perusing the Walmart beauty aisle, among them a cream eye shadow stick by Hard Candy.

The color is officially called Soiree. It’s basically a neutral, copper brown with plenty of mica for shimmer. It glides on easily and didn’t crease too badly throughout the day. If you want deep color pigment, these probably aren’t for you. I think they’re perfect for a low-key quick eye makeup fix though. Plus for only $6 you get a LOT of product in that tube!

Hard Candy makeup is available at your local Walmart store. Have you picked any up yet? I’d love to hear what products are your favorites so I can settle on what to buy next!

Total Beauty has a new quiz up that I thought might make for some fun discussion. Basically it asks 10 questions to analyze your personality and creates a few makeup suggestions that would suit you.

As most of you know, I’m happy being bold with my makeup; but I’m also completely happy just wearing lip balm, sunscreen and maybe some mascara. And my personality is far from bold: I’m not shy per-se, but I’m not the life of the party unless I am really comfortable with everyone who’s there. I have a small, close group of friends. My idea of a fun night: at home with my dog, writing on my computer or in my Moleskines, crafting, or reading.

Here are my results from the TB quiz…

Your Inner Beauty says you’re the life of the party and always ready to help (as long as cocktails are involved). We realize you barely have time to read these results because you have to get ready for that social networking party that benefits Save the Children — that you’re hosting at a swanky new champagne bar.

But, before you head out, make sure your look says stunning, social butterfly by adding pops of colors like coral and fuchsia to your makeup look. Try Hard Candy Blush Crush Baked Blush in Living Doll, $7. As a final touch, make sure your hair has a healthy sheen by spritzing on Tresemme No Frizz Ultra Light Shine Spray, $4.99 after blow drying your hair to perfection.

Hmmm… Well… in my opinion, coral and fuchsia don’t really qualify as “bold”. Bold to me is a super dark lipcolor (which I love), punchy orange eyeshadow, or the rainbow lips I created. What were your results, and do you think they fit your personality?

My rainbow lip look!

I know black lipstick isn’t for everyone, but if you are interested in trying out the trend… here are some tips and looks to play around with. And you don’t have to be a Film Noir star or a goth chick to pull them off!

Face – Purely Cosmetics mineral makeup in California Blonde mixed with PRIIA Cosmetic’s Complexion Enhancer in Angelic (basically my normal makeup). Topped with Purely Cosmetics’ Diamond Perfect Finish powder (I love, love, love this product!).
Cheeks – Light rose pink blush (Koh Gen Do in Coral Pink) topped with silver dust GlitterAll in Snow by Shiny Mama.
Lids – Silver eyeliner by PencilMeInCosmetics.com, smudged out a bit, topped with Clinique’s Long Last lipgloss in Clearly Pink.
Lashes – Clinique’s new High Lengths mascara in black on top lashes (Full review soon, but in short it’s okay. Not as wonderful as Blinc, but average), silver/black glitter mascara (found on clearance at my local Sally Beauty store!) on bottom lashes.

And now, onto the makeup looks!

Trying out the Black Lip trend in real life!

The Full-On Drama Lips – Prescriptives Longwear Kohl eyeliner in black (but any longwear or waterproof black eyeliner would work fine!), Purely Cosmetics’ Diamond powder dabbed on very lightly to set the liner. Topped with Lancome’s Piha Black lipgloss (here’s a link to my previous article with loads of tips and looks using Piha Black lipgloss).

Lots of Drama! Black eyeliner topped with Lancome's Piha Black gloss

The Budget Version! – Wet n Wild’s lipstick in Black Orchid ($1.29 at drugstore.com), topped with Sally Hansen lipgloss (or any clear or sparkly lipgloss you have laying around). As you can see this black lipstick tends to settle into any lip lines you may have. It can be a bit of a pain, but for the two bucks or so it costs, it’s a great lipstick and not drying at all!

Budget friendly black... Wet n' Wild black lipstick with gloss over top.

Sheer and Wearable – If you’re looking for something a bit less “Jami, you’re crazy!” then, Three Custom Color’s Noir lipstick and Noir lip gloss are gonna be right up your alley!
Another recommendation, if I may, is Three Custom’s Doubles lipgloss. It’s my absolute favorite

Sheer Noir - Three Custom Color's Noir lipstick with Noir lip gloss on top

My Tips…

• For all the lip looks, I highly recommend starting with a very moisturizing lip balm to prep lips (I used YBF’s Quench lip balm). Put it on before you start the rest of your makeup and it’ll have soaked in by the time you’re ready to start lips.
• Surround lip line with concealer, or I use Anastasia’s Eye Lights Matte pencil in Camille. The goal here is to really set your lips off and make sure the lip line is exact and very clean since the colors are so dark.
• Clothing – Pair this look with something that is silver, maroon, blue, navy to keep things bright… unless you want to embrace your inner goth, then by all means go for the black, strips, deep gray, or reds!
• Same thing goes for jewelry. KISS – Keep it simple silver. *wink*
• Whichever makeup you choose, keep your lids, cheeks and face subtle, however you want *something* on those other features so you don’t look too washed out.

This look is instant glam when you’re at home feeling a bit low or down… Even if you just wear it around the house!

If you’re going out on the town with a strong black lip, ROCK IT. You can’t be shy and meek. Embrace that inner-gal-power and let it show. Shoulders back, walk proudly! Pretend you’re Mina Harker (actress Peta Wilson) from The League of Extraordinary Gentleman; or Abby from NCIS!

Personally, I love the dark lip look… but I’m fully aware it’s not for everyone. What are your thoughts are the varieties I’ve shown?

There are a myriad of mineral makeup brands out there, and you all know I have a few favorites. I’m here to introduce you to another brand: Fusion of Color Cosmetics.

Eyes: Straw (matte shadow all across lid and up into the crease); To Cool (shimmery forest green shadow on outer third of eyelid); In Vogue (white shimmer shadow used a brow bone highlight).

Bionic wearing In Vogue, Straw and To Cool shadows by Fusion of Color

I’ve used Straw here as a base for my other colors. It would also make an excellent concealer, primer or matte brow bone accent! And my photographs of To Cool (the green) really don’t do it justice. It’s such a pretty shamrock color!

Fusion of Color’s eyeshadows start at $4.50 for a 1gram jar which will give you months and months of color!

Lips: Twitter Butter Lipstick

Mmm.... Twitter Butter lipstick!

Twitter Butter lipstick was very smooth on my lips and provided a sheer wash of color. Nice to wear and very moisturizing! FoC’s lipsticks run $4.25 each (very affordable!).

Blush: Uptown Girl
A slightly shimmery berry that looks exceptionally dark in the jar, but is wearable by even light colored women. Use a bit, and add more until you reach your desired shade. Blushes are available in 13 colors and run $7 each, for 2 grams.

My little Fusion of Color Cosmetics' sample jars

Face: All Over Face mineral makeup in Radiant Georgia. Fusion’s full size mineral makeup foundations run $15 a jar and come in a gigantic variety of shades.

Face highlight: In Vogue eyeshadow (swept down bridge of nose, dabbed in corners of eyes, and on angel’s bow of upper lip).

All face makeup by Fusion of Color!!

I really enjoyed testing out this brand- the foundation wore very well even in the humidity and while working outdoors. And the variety and depth of eye shadow shades is just incredible. I highly recommend checking this brand out. Unsure of what colors you’d like to try? Check out their samples section!

FTC Disclosure: This item was sent to me free of charge in return for an honest review. The opinion in this article is based on my personal experience and was not influenced by any source. I was not compensated for this article. Feel free to read my disclosure policy for more information.