Reader Question: Covering Dark Circles

Today I have another reader question!  These are seriously my favorite posts to write.  (I have another reader question sitting in my inbox that I swear I'm going to answer soon.  I just want to make sure I have plenty of pictures and diagrams for that one.)

Here's what reader A.M. asked me:

"I have really terribly chronic dark undereye circles (totally unrelated to how much I sleep, which is a lot).  I'm pretty over it.  I put concealer on them but it really only tones it down just a little.  What is the best way/makeup for covering that up/what creams etc have you heard recommended on other blogs or wherever for minimizing them in general?"

Great question!  I have dark circles occasionally, too.  Today they aren't so bad, but I decided to do a walk-through on some of the products I use to cover up mine.  I haven't reviewed ANY of these products, but I will eventually.  First, let's look at my bare eye:

You can see I have some darkness at the inner corner.  Like I said, it's not too terrible, but still something I'd like to try to cover.

First, I put on some moisturizer with SPF.  Then, I put on my Skin 79 Super+ Beblesh Balm BB Cream VIP Gold as my foundation and spread some under my eyes.  You can see that the reduced some of the darkness, but not all.  (You can purchase Skin 79 Gold HERE for $8.79 + $4.49 shipping.)  

Next, I added some Too Faced Absolutely Flawless Flexible Coverage Concealer in Vanilla.  

(You can purchase this concealer on Too Faced's website HERE for $20.)  The key is to use just a small amount and blend it in.  You can always build it up more, but adding too much at the beginning will make your eyes look cakey.    

To finish the concealing, I patted on some Wet n Wild Natural Blend Pressed Powder.  The compact comes with a small sponge that's very great for application.

You can buy Wet n Wild Natural Blend Pressed Powder on Walgreen's website HERE for $4.99.

Another option for even heavier-duty coverage would be Missha Signature Extreme Cover Concealer with SPF 30 or Benefit Erase Paste.  The Erase Paste is very pigmented but didn't work for me because it was just a little too oily for my oily skin.

 Here's some other tips that you probably already know:  get lots of sleep (although you said that isn't a problem), drink your recommended water intake, and keep your under-eye area moisturized.  

I hope that helps!  Let me know how it goes for you!

XOXO

-K

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All items were purchased by Orange Lipstick for personal use and review purposes.   

Reader Question: Best place for a makeover

An O.L. reader hit up my inbox today and I was thrilled!  I can’t tell you how much I enjoy answering reader questions.  Keep ‘em coming!

Here’s what she asked:

“I just graduated and got a teaching job at a high school and need to update my make up look.  I really just put something on and hope it looks okay!  I saw that you had a lesson at Clinique and was looking into it, but I've heard that Sephora was a better place to learn.  I just wanted your opinion to see where the better place to get a more sophisticated look and learn how to do it the best way.”

First of all – congrats on the graduation and new job!  A new career move is always a good reason to update your look!  (Of course, not that I need justification for more makeup!  Lol!)

Honestly, I would consider trying both.  It never hurts to look at multiple places.  If you're going to go to Clinique, call ahead and ask them if there is a minimum purchase requirement.  Some places require that you buy a certain amount in exchange for the makeover, so it may be good to find out their policy ahead of time.  Clinique is good at creating really natural looks without looking ridiculously overdone, plus their prices are really good.

I will say that my preference with Sephora is that, if you ask them, they'll be happy to show you how to do something on one eye (or side of your face) and then have you replicate it on the other side.  This is INCREDIBLY useful. 

Also, they tend to do their makeovers in front of a mirror so you can see what they're working on as they do it.  This is really useful because when someone does your makeup and then leads you to a mirror, it may look nice but you have no idea how to recreate it at home. 

Sephora does not require a minimum purchase with a makeover.  My guideline is this:  only buy what you really like and what really looks good on you.  A lot of times people get stuck with a crummy product because they felt pressure to buy.  If they do your makeup and you don't love the products, don't feel bad about walking out empty handed.  Also, don't be afraid to speak up as they're making you over.  If you hate a product, just say so or say something like, "Green isn't really my preferred eyeshadow shade.  What else might you suggest?"  (But then again, be open-minded!  You never know what might look good on you that you haven't tried!)

All in all, I'd probably start with Sephora just because they carry so many lines (including Clinique!) and can pull products from various different ranges.  Ask if they can explain what they're doing and what tactics/brushes/methods they're using as they go along. 

One other tried and true tip:  Casually walk through the store and find a sales person who has nice makeup that fits your style.  If you're looking for something more natural, don't pick the person with really dramatic makeup!  If the sales person has a look that you'd like to emulate, she'll be experienced in creating that specific look.  (I say “she” but the best makeup tips I ever got from a Sephora sales person were from a man!) 

Lastly, it may be helpful to take in a few pictures of looks you like.  Flip through a magazine or do an online search and save pictures of the things you like.  Then, you can show them to the makeup artist.  This will be very helpful for them!

Sorry for being so verbose but I hope that helps answer your question!

Thanks for reading, everyone!

XOXO

-K

P.S.

One more thing that I forgot.  SOME Sephoras have "Customized Makeup Application" which is a full HOUR of help and that DOES require a $50 minimum purchase.  I have NEVER encountered that problem at my local Sephora.  And seriously?  An hour?  If the sales person tries to talk you into the "Customized Makeup Application," I would just politely decline and leave.  But like I said, I've never even heard of such a thing at my Sephora.

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Reader Question: Milani Orange Gina in polish form

After my post about Milani Orange Gina yesterday, a dear friend sent me this question:

"Is there a nail polish in this color?" -P.M.

This got me lacquer hunting (always a dangerous thing) and led me straight to Temptalia’s swatch gallery.  

I take no credit for actually discovering these dupes – I found them all by looking through the swatch gallery and various other Temptalia posts.  If you can believe it, I didn't have ANY dupes in my own stash.  Boo-hoo!

Perhaps it is no surprise that Milani has a color that coordinates beautifully with Orange Gina.  That would be Metal Gear ($4.49) which has beautiful orange and gold-ish shimmer.  I think this is the best possible dupe and it has a friendly price tag, to boot.  Plus, I love the formula on Milani polishes!  (I can’t find this polish on Milani’s website but I believe you can pick it up in select CVS stores.) UPDATE:  I can't find this polish to purchase ANYWHERE!

Next is Zoya Tanzy ($8).  It seems to have a similar color but much more shimmer.  I think this is a BEAUTIFUL color!  It's bright and eye-catching.  You can purchase Tanzy HERE.

Zoya Tanzy
Photo taken from Zoya's website

The next option is Nubar Arencia ($8) which is absolutely gorgeous.  I haven’t gotten any Nubar polishes yet but I’ve only ever heard raves.  I think Arencia is a little darker than Orange Gina but it definitely has the same je ne sais quoi.  It is absolutely lovely and you can purchase it HERE.

Nubar Arencia

Photo taken from Nubar's website

Another nice pick is China Glaze Riveting ($2.81 + $1.99 shipping on Amazon; price varies by location, but this is a great deal).  This came out with the Hunger Games collection and represents District 3 for technology.  I wanted to adore this collection, but something about it was off.  Maybe it was because there was a bunch of drama over the names or because the idea of people worrying about polish in ANY of the Districts was absurd.  (Except of course, for The Capital.)  Anyway, this color is wonderful put side-by-side with Orange Gina and I think it's my favorite one.  It's for sale on Amazon HERE.

China Glaze Riveting

Photo taken from Amazon.com

So there you have it!  Four beautiful polishes that really evoke Orange Gina and that I think would match really nicely.  Be sure to check out Temptalia’s swatch gallery – it is really incredible!

XOXO

-K

P.S.

Feel free to email me at orangelipstickblog@gmail.com or tweet me at OrangeLipstickK

Reader Question: Preventing Fallout

I was thrilled when I received a question in my inbox from an Orange Lipstick reader!  I'm always eager to give my advice so please feel free to email them to me at orangelipstickblog@gmail.com.


Here's what she asked:


"I on occasion love to sport a eye shadow with some super sparkle to it but then end up with sparkles littered down my cheeks. NOT so cute when you're no longer in ... middle school? Is there a trick I can use to keep those sparkles on my eyelids where I put them in the first place? Thanks bunches." - H.B.


Here's my response:


Sparkles can be tricky! In makeup lingo, what you're talking about is called fallout. There are some steps to prevent it, though. 

First, are you using an eye primer? If you aren't, you should. I use Urban Decay Primer Potion and think its great. Ulta or Sephora will be glad to give you a sample so you can try before you buy. Other people swear by Too Faced Shadow Insurance, but I haven't tried it. 

Secondly, have you ever tried patting the makeup on rather than sweeping/brushing? Sometimes that can help. 

Also, try applying the shadow wet. Take a sponge tip applicator (I buy cheapie ones from the Dollar Store) and run it under the tap. Then, apply your eyeshadow with it. You'll be AMAZED at how much better the sparkles stay in place. Here's a comparison pic of Urban Decay Midnight Rodeo.

This is a swatch of Midnight Rodeo over NYX primer. The left is dry, the right is wet. Notice how much more glitter sticks around!  I actually blew on this a few times after I took the picture and only about two sparkles were left on the dry swatch.  All the sparkles on the right swatch were still there!

If all that fails, you may just have a bum product. Some shades just don't play nicely no matter what you try. 

Also, wait to apply your powder until after you apply your shadows. That way, you can usually brush off any fallout. 

Hope that helps and thanks for your question!  I love reader questions so don't be shy!


XOXO


-K


Please feel free to email me at orangelipstickblog@gmail.com or tweet me at orangelipstickk.