Lo Bosworth at the 2009 MTV Movie Awrads

Lo Bosworth looked gorgeous last night at the 2009 MTV Movie Awards, and it's thanks in part to Jake Bailey, my favorite MAX Factor makeup artist!



to get Lo's simple but bold look-- lots of lashes paired with a bright lip-- Jake used the following products:

blend MAX Factor ColorGenius Foundation with Minerals in Honey 1 all over face, on eye lids and below jaw line

top with Bronze Universel de Chanel for warmth and dimension

swipe Chanel eye shadow in Slate on eye lids

line lower lashes with MAX Factor MAXeye Liner in Gilt Complex

apply two coats MAX Factor 2000 Calorie Extreme Lash Plumper in Extreme Blackout

finish with MAX Factor Vivid Impact Lipcolor in Sweet Tart


Jake did a great job of glamming Lo up for the event, don't you think?

xo

beauty on a budget: Max Factor Vivid Impact Lip Color

i'm not a lipstick fanatic myself, but if the formula is right, i will definitely recommend it, and Max Factor's new Vivid Impact Lip Color has pulled me onto it's fan bandwagon, and you should jump on as well.

this fierce new collection of creamy, moisture-rich, lip-loving colors were tested on the runways of new york during spring/summer 2009 fashion week, so you know they had to be good. i am so impressed at how these lipstick don't feel like lipstick, but still maintain a good deal of pigment as the day goes on. the formula contains shea butter, which helps to seal in lip's moisture, so i never worry about my lips drying out, and the color lasts for hours!

i have four colors (pictured below)



Guilty Rose is a red with gold shimmer-- very pretty, but not a color i would normally wear.

Pin-Up Pink is a gorgeous pink, but not on me (bummer)-- it's too light.

Bitten is one i liked the best-- it's a darker-toned berry-pink.

Sweet-Tart is a pretty coral-pink that isn't too bright on me.


i am loving this new line of lipsticks, and i plan to check out the rest of the collection to get other colors to suit me. if you haven't already tried these for yourself, you need to run, not walk, to your local drugstore and get at least one to try! :)

visit drugstore.com to buy and see the list of colors for the collection.

xo

TotalBeauty.com: Find Your Ideal Glam Lipcolor

love discovering a new lipcolor? Max Factor has a great new line of them, called Vivid Impact that is creamy and smooth, leaves lips feeling moist and delivers a punch of color worthy of beong worn on the runways of new york. i'll be posting my official review about them soon. in the meantime, you can take this fun quiz to find out what shade would suit you best!

What's Your Ideal Glam Lip Color?

Take this quiz to find out which lipstick shade reflects your personal taste

Soft on the inside yet bold on the outside, highly pigmented lip colors can speak volumes about your personality -- before you've uttered a word. Find out which shade of the beauty editor- and consumer-favorite MAX Factor Vivid Impact Lipcolor you should be wearing. Take the quiz

xo

beauty on a budget: Max Factor 2000 Calorie Extreme Lash Plumper

take a look at Max Factor's 2000 Calorie Extreme Lash Plumper-- look familiar? yeah, i thought so...



so, to acknowledge the huge elephant in the room, i'll ask what you're already asking: what is the difference between this and CG's LashBlast?

my answer? not much. the packaging is almost identical, except for the colors, and if you look at the brush and the tube, there is no difference. another odd thing-- they even smell the same!


pic on left: Max Factor on left, CG on right. right pic: CG on left, Max Factor on right

i find it odd that these are so similar, but to review this on its own, i will say it's really good. i did get a bit of clumping, but nothing that couldn't be worked out. i didn't experience any flaking or smudging as the day went on, nor did i have a problem with the huge wand applicator...

now i bet you're wondering if you should even bother to buy 2000 Calorie Lash Plumper if they are the same-- am i right? well, i really can't tell you what to buy, but i think that if you are a fan of LashBlast, stick with it. but if for some reason you loathe any and all CoverGirl products, or you just want to try it for yourself, then absolutely try the Max Factor.

find Max Factor 2000 Calorie Extreme Lash Plumper at a drugstore near you and online at drugstore.com

xo
pics taken by me :)

my favorite drugtore beauty buys: Max Factor

my favorite drugstore beauty buys is back-- finally! if you're new to reading my blog, this is a weekly feature that shares my picks of fabulous beauty goodies that are low-cost and can only be found at your local drugstore of mass-retailer.

although today i'm feeling a bit under the weather (a 24 hour bug has been going around at my house this past week. somehow i feel like i've gotten it the worst--doesn't it figure?), but i'm determined to bring this to you since i know so many of you loved it last year! this first installment for '09 includes only products by Max Factor. i have been really enjoying their products--they're fabulous-- so here we go...




MAXalicious Lip Glaze lipgloss features a collection of colors that are categorized as Naughty (a mix of bright and dark shades with well, "naughty"-sounding names and a black top) and Nice (lighter, neutral shades with "nicer" names and a silver top) so you can decide what you prefer, but i personally love colors from both! Weekend Getaway (nice) and Champagne Bath (naughty) are both sheer, and i love to wear them alone as well as over a darker shade of gloss like Secret Rendezvous (naughty) or Falling in Love (nice).



Vivid Impact Eyeshadow Duos feature colors that compliment each other, but can be used alone or mixed and matched with other duos to create your own look. these are extremely pigmented, last all day, and have become a favorite shadow of mine (obviously, or they wouldn't be on this list). i use Sultry Sage, Smokin Rose (pictured) and Brassy Berry the most.



Lash Perfection Waterproof Mascara gives my lashes a very separated, lengthened, thickened and defined look. it never clumps and stays in place until i wash it off. i admit i'm not one for waterproof mascaras-- i prefer to be able to remove all of my makeup all at once-- since i never like having super stiff lashes (who does?) and an oil-based remover is usually needed to remove it. i was surprised to find that this never feels too hard which leaves me not minding the extra removal step so much. the results of this mascara are so beautiful! i wonder of the non-waterproof formula works just as well?



have you discovered any new drugstore goodies during the last month? share in the comments!

xo

My Interview with Makeup Artist Jake Bailey, part three

in this, the final installment of my interview with the fabulous Jake Bailey, the Max Factor makeup artist shares some great tips on creating a great day look in 10 minutes as well as suggests how to take that look into night.

but first, Jake gives his solution for a common mistake he sees women making all the time...

BGM: what is a common mistake women make when it comes to makeup?

JB: i have been seeing some clumpy lashes out there! make sure you pick the correct formula of mascara as well as the correct brush. i suggest using MAX Factor’s Volume Couture Mascara because of the patented plastic bristles of the iFX brush it doesn't clump! for extra separation control, close your eye and place a stiff card, such as a business or credit card, over the eye lid. open your eye so lashes are peeking out on top of the card. pull the brush firmly through the lashes against the card to remove excess product and separate the lashes with extra precision.


BGM: wow! thanks for the tip-- i didn't know that trick! i guess i just learned something new! now, can you share a quick 10 minute face for a night out? and for everyday?

JB: my suggestion for day time looks is to keep it simple. i think the best thing to do is to really work with this look by leaving the face very neutral and bare and a touch of color on the eyes and lips for a feminine, sexy look that isn't over done.

*accentuate your glow by keeping foundation light. try mixing your favorite light moisturizer with a light foundation, such as MAX Factor ColorGenius Foundation with Minerals, to create your own tinted moisturizer. this will provide the light coverage you need without being too heavy and sacrificing the natural color and feel of the skin.

*don’t forget to groom the brows as they frame the face. fill in brows using a brow filler or brow gel. always use a brow gel to keep hairs in place; i really can't stress this enough. unruly brows are the enemy of cosmetic perfection!

*for an everyday glowing hue, apply a rose or peach hued blush because they are universal shades. use a blush brush to apply the blush over the apples of the cheeks, sweeping onto the apples of the cheeks and all the way back towards the hairline.

*add two coats of black mascara and a touch of gloss on the lips and you are good to go.

to take that look from day to night, just add more color:

*touch up your foundation as some of the coverage has faded throughout the day.

*for a twist on the smoky-eye, create a look that’s all your own by blending your favorite shades of shadow to create a customized hybrid. shades i have found universally flattering are grays and lavenders. start by mixing together the charcoal colored end of MAX Factor Vivid Impact Eye Shadows in Domino Effect with the purple shade of Vivid Impact Eye Shadows in Sultry Sage for a smoky plum shade. using an eye shadow brush, work the shadow all the way from the lash line to the brow bone, blending the pigment with your finger towards when nearing the brow to create a dramatic eye look.

*add more definition to your cheeks by adding a contour blush. dust a darker shade than your everyday blush very lightly just under the cheekbone and into the hollow of the cheek. the most universal shade is MAX Factor ColorGenius Blush in Spices. i call this 'contouring for dummies' because the shade appears natural in broad daylight and is incredibly easy to use.

*add two more coats of mascara and dab a darker lip color or gloss, like a bright pink, for a glammed up look!


thanks again to Jake for taking the time to answer my questions! his tips are fabulous, aren't they? you'll be hearing more form Jake in the coming months, just in time for spring!

xo

My Interview with Makeup Artist Jake Bailey, part two

a change in seasons always inspires me to try new looks, and this is the perfect time to do so! my interview with Jake Bailey continues with me asking him how we ladies can update our makeup for the fall/winter season, and naming his favorite Max Factor products.

check it out his suggestions for updating our makeup:


updating foundation and powder:

"use a light liquid foundation, like MAX Factor ColorGenius Foundation with Minerals, as opposed to heavy one, as heavy ones tend to create creases in cold weather. choose a lightweight translucent powder such as MAX Factor ColorGenius Press Powder, so that your makeup doesn't look to heavy or tired."


update your blush:

"it’s important to wear blush in the winter because it warms up your skin tone. stick with a rosy blush like MAX Factor ColorGenius Blush in Roses, to play up the rosy, frost-bitten cheek look we already get in the cold weather."


update your eyes:

"because of all the snowfall and winds it’s important to use waterproof mascara in winter so that your mascara doesn't run. eyes are the most low-maintenance feature to play up in the winter. try a shimmery metallic shadow, such as the MAX Factor Vivid Impact Eye Shadows in Two Cents or Domino Effect to make eyes pop."


and don't forget the brows...

"with all of the coats, scarves, and hats coming on and off during winter months, brows can get messy and it’s important to keep them in place. a clear brow gel does just that. i love MAX Factor’s No Color Mascara which doubles as the perfect brow gel!"


update for your lips:

"stick with sheer glosses as they keep lips looking moisturized and healthy. berry-colored glosses are also good because they warm up skin tone making lips look luscious and skin glowing and flawless."



bgm: what are some of your favorite Max Factor products?

"my favorite products from MAX Factor are MAXalicious Glaze Lip Gloss because they are the perfect gloss with just a touch of color. my favorite shade is Secret Rendezvous; i call it the universal red because it works on most skin tones! i also love ColorGenius Foundation with Minerals because it is so lightweight but provides amazing coverage. i like to mix it with a bit of daily moisturizer to make a tinted moisturizer which allows for lighter coverage and makes your foundation last longer!"


thanks again to you, Jake!

his suggestions are so simple and easy...

be sure to stay tuned for the final installment of my interview with Jake. he'll share his tips for creating a fabulous '10 minute face' for day and night, and offer a great solution for the most common mistake he has noticed women make with their makeup.

did you miss part one of my interview (featured in NY Mag's The Cut!)? click here to read it!

now i'm off to play with my makeup!

xo

My Interview with Makeup Artist Jake Bailey, part one

i recently has the opportunity to interview Max Factor makeup artist Jake Bailey, and pick his brain about his favorite trends, how we ladies can update our makeup look for the season, common makeup mistakes, and more!

Jake was kind enough to not only give his advice, but also recommends the (inexpensive) Max Factor products he would use to create certain looks!

there is a lot of info, so this will be a mini-series-- keep visiting BGM for more with Jake!

my first question question was what is your favorite makeup trend for this season?

JB: "i love a metallic eye paired with a nude lip. it is a great night-time look for winter".

ahh, a man after my own heart--hubby, if you read this, you know what i mean!-- i love metalics, and i always focus on my eyes when it comes to makeup looks.

here’s Jake's advice on how to get this sparkling winter look:


max factor by beauty girl


*play up eyes using the MAX Factor Vivid Impact Eye Shadows in Two Cents. apply the dark bronze end of the duo all over the eye lid, up to the crease. follow by lining the eye lid with the gold end of the duo and then blending the two shades together for a multidimensional sheen.

*to finish the eye look apply 3-4 coats of a dark black mascara to the upper and lower lashes for a look, like MAX Factor Volume Couture Mascara.

*to compliment the eye, use a nude gloss such as MAX Factor MAXalicious Glaze Lip Gloss in Weekend Getaway or Champagne Bath for super shine with a hint of shimmer.

*for a twist on the nude lip try one of the subtle pink/red-based glosses. the color will still look very neutral which complements the metallic eye, but adds just a bit of extra drama to the look!


next time, Jake will give some simple tips on how to update your makeup for winter! stay tuned...

xo

Get Gisele's Fall Favorites for 50% Off!

as you may know, Gisele is the new face of Max Factor, and i have to admit, i am loving the ads! they are vibrant, chic and really have given Max Factor a new energy.

because i love you so, i have to share that Max Factor is having an amazing promotion right now! check it out:



Gisele's fall favorites, Lipfinity 3D in 80’s Pink, MAXeye Liner in Fresh Coffee Vivid Impact Eye Shadow in Domino Effect and Volume Couture in Black Brown, are now on sale - as a set - at maxfactor.com for only $20 (that's 50% off the retail value)!

in addition to your purchase, you will also receive a complementary MAX Factor makeup bag and free shipping through december 16.

head over to maxfactor.com and take advantage...happy shopping!

xo

Max Factor MAXeye Shadows

on a drugstore run a couple of weeks ago, i decided to pick up a Max Factor MAXeye Shadow. this set of three shadows are designed to work together to give the user the ability to apply it dry for a silky-sweet day look, or wet for those bold diva nights. they are developed for mix 'n match fabulousness, and engineered for MAXimum results.

being that i love to play up my eyes, i chose the Mint Condition set which consists of green tones. one is light, like mint, one is an olive green and the middle shade is a beautiful hunter green.

these worked beautifully and i really enjoyed the fact that they applied so easily. the colors are pretty true when applied, and even deeper when used wet. my only complaint is they are so close together. i have to swipe the color very carefully if i only want to use one shade.

Max Factor MAXeye Shadaow are available in 20 shades and can be found at a drugstore near you.

xo

hot beauty trend: indigo liner

i love indigo liner as a fun spring/summer alternative to black liner. it adds color to your face without being too bright or overwhelming. try it for yourself, and see your eyes take on a new vibrancy!

for fair skin: e.l.f. Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in Midnight (1) and CK Calvin Klein beauty Eye Definition Defining Eye Pencil in True Navy (2).

for medium skin: Benefit Kohl Pencil in Royale (3) and Givenchy Magic Khôl Eye Liner Pencil in Indigo Blue (4).

for dark skin: Korres Eyeliner Pencil in Blue 8 (5) and Max Factor MAXeye Liner in Jean Jacket (6).



don't be afraid of color! it is so pretty...and remember that you can always start subtly if you are a newbie to it all (think: blend, blend, blend!).

have fun and be fabulous!



xo


source: allure