Category — Tips

Dear Bionic Beauty,
So many liquid foundations and face lotions claim to be oil free these days. Yet, when I’m shopping and read the ingredients it seems like there *are* oils in there. Is there a way to really tell if I’m getting something that is oil free?
I appreciate your help.
Sincerely,
Olive Oil

Well, Olive Oil, you are smart to pick up on the labeling that has become such a fad in the cosmetics industry. See, the real problem is that the labeling on cosmetics (makeup, hair care, skincare, etc) is not regulated. Companies can spin all sorts of misinformation on their labels and containers. You really have to be an educated consumer in order to know what is a good buy and what isn’t.

In regards to the “oil-free” claims specifically… there’s a pretty simple test to check if something you have in your stash is truly oil-free. Place a pea-size dollop of the product on a sheet of plain white copy, typing or writing paper (medium to light weight is perfect). Then wait. Let it sit overnight preferably, but you should start to see a change within a few hours.
If a ring forms around the product, it most definitely contains oil.

Here are some experiments I did with a few of my fave makeup and skincare products. Read on for the SHOCKING results…
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NARS’ has launched a new video “how to” using their products to create a “healthy, radiant skin” makeup look. The tutorial process is great and I found it really helpful. Even if you don’t own all the NARS products mentioned, the video serves as a reminder on how to achieve a flawless, natural look. Just substitute products with those already in your stash.

Thoughts?

Ok, so I confess, I’m one of those crazy Twilight fans. I adore the books, I’ve read them all several times, I’m anxiously awaiting the movie, and I even have a Team Edward t-shirt. Combine that with my love of Halloween and it’s a costume idea meant-to-be!

I got myself all done up a day early to share my costume-look with my BB readers. It’s really very easy, and you probably have everything you need around your house already.

Some costume ideas and makeup tips…

• Coat your body with sparkly lotion or shimmery powder. I used Spell’s Body Gloss EVERYWHERE! Twilight vamps sparkle in the sun.
• Since I was going for an Alice Cullen-esque look, I flat-ironed my hair and flipped the ends out. I also added a strip of velvet ribbon for a choker (along with a spider brooch for spooky goodness).
• For Rosalie, curl your hair into loose waves.
• For Bella, you could add a faux leg cast and wear a prom dress.
• Twilight vamps are always well-dressed. You could take a que from me and sport a formal dress… this is my old prom dress and pretend you’re heading to the Forks High School prom. Or just some nice jeans and a pretty blouse. Don’t forget good shoes!
• Blood red nail polish on your fingers and toes! Alice Cullen loved this color. (I still have to do my manicure, that’s on this afternoons schedule.)
• Please remember…no fangs!



• For your face…

1. Start with super light foundation to make yourself pale.
2. Dust overtop with shimmery face powder. I used Ferro Cosmetics Rose Crystal Mineral Veil (a light pink powder with silver shimmer).
3. Put bronzer or cream blush underneath your cheekbones, in your cheek’s hollows to enhance them.
4. For my upper eyelids I did a normal makeup look with a brown eyeshadow. I used Milani’s Java Bean shadow across my entire lid and then lined my upper lid in the same color.
5. Underneath eyes, give yourself some “bruise-like” shadows by dusting lightly with a matte purple eyeshadow. It’s okay if it’s a bit uneven. You want to look a bit like a hungry vamp.
6. Line lower lash line with a sparkly purple eyeshadow and coat lashes with mascara.
7. Coat your lips with several applications of red lip stain (I suggest Sonia Kashuk’s or Revlon’s Just Bitten). Or use a red lip pencil and blend it in. You want to look “stained”, er, with blood; not like you’ve applied lipstick or lipgloss.

For more ideas for your Twilight costumes… or just some fun reading… visit the Twilight Vampire lens on Squidoo. Be sure you check out the polls on there, they crack me up!

And here’s me dancing to Monster Mash cause I’m just SO DARN HAPPY it’s Halloween! What are you dressing up as for Halloween? Share your costume in the comments below!!

Want some more last minute costume and makeup ideas? Check out Bionic Beauty’s series on Halloween!

Looking for some last minute Halloween makeup ideas? I posted these articles last year and they’re super easy to accomplish and can be made to work with SO many costumes and colors.

Make your face up like Wicked star Idina Menzel. What’s more Halloween than a green witch?

Fantasy, fairy eye look. This eye look could also work for a princess, Poison Ivy, mermaids, or even a female witch from Harry Potter’s universe.

Pull out your far-east inspired pajamas, and use this video as an inspiration for Geisha makeup. You’ll be unique, a standout, and comfortable!

What do you plan to be for Halloween? Got any fantabulous makeup tips to share?

Inspired by my love of Old Hollywood, I decided to create a makeup look, suitable for everyday or Halloween, based on the lovely actress, Louise Brooks.

Read on for my version of the look, more photos, and a tutorial on the products…
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I was asked to contribute to October’s edition of  The Beauty Ideal. The “theme” for this month’s magazine was makeup and skincare that works for every woman, skin tone, color, etc. So I pulled up all my favorite products that will enhance your natural beauty no matter what type of gal you are.

I’d appreciate you reading the article… feel free to leave any comments on the article itself or here.

Do you have any secret products that would work for any skin tone, ethnicity, color?

Continuing my Halloween makeup series… I created this look on a whim. And that’s pretty much what it is… whimsical. Many years ago, I was Poison Ivy (from Batman) for Halloween and did a look similar to this. It’s adaptable for all sorts of costumes- fairies, princesses (use pinks and blues with no vines and more glitter!)- only limited by your imagination.
I just used colors I had on hand, so switch in whatever you have in your collection. The vines could be brown with orange, black, yellow and purple flowers for a “Autumn Princess”. You get the idea. Just do what you like.

Click the photographs to see a larger version (opens in a new tab/window).

For more photos and the full tutorial, makeup colors used, continue readin’…
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