Beauty Must-Have: Blue Mascara

Psst! Did you hear? Blue mascara is a beauty must-have for spring - it's darn electrifying!

Blue mascara is my go-to evening eye-enhancer; it's a fierce color splash for sure! And to accomplish the look, I use Maybelline's Great Lash product in royal blue. Additionally, I meticulously line my upper eyelids with liquid black eyeliner for a dramatic look.

Are you feeling blue? Tell me on Twitter: @nikkistyle

NEW! MASCARA! CLUMP CRUSHER!PS. Happy New Year's Eve!

Photo Credit: nikkistyle™

Beauty Notes! Me? An "Unofficial" CG Brand Ambassador? That just might be the case, as I am always blogging and tweeting about my CoverGirl makeup. 

via Music City Beauty

Anyways, last weekend I started using CoverGirl's latest and greatest (mascara) product, Clump Crusher, and like any new product, I am still getting use to it, specifically the wand. Let me explain: I have been using another CoverGirl mascara (LashBlast Volume Blasting Mascara) in which the brush is a bit more...over-sized. LashBlast [Volume Blasting] will certainly volumize and thicken the eyelashes; however, Clump Crusher will do just that-crush clumps. No seriously, the curvaceous clump crushing wand will comb through each and every lash for a defined finish. 

So, Beauties, have YOU used this mascara? What do you think? Tell me on Twitter. 

Little Girls and "Red" Lipstick

Photo Credit: instyle.com

Hot Topic! Yesterday InStyle magazine posted via Facebook: Do or don't: Let your child wear lipstick -- next to an image (left) of celebrity starlet, Suri Cruise. Several Facebook users LIKED InStyle's status, which is not exactly a clear indication of whether or not they are for or opposed to little girls wearing lipstick (people  L O V E to abuse that like button). Anyways, just as many folks actually commented on the status; I seen a lot of "Donts" and "Dislikes." And, there were a few individuals that thought the lipstick-wearing was not a big deal -- and considered it as harmless "dress up." Interesting.

Moreover, InStyle posted a pic caption underneath Suri's picture via its website that read, "Every girl needs the perfect red lipstick!" So, what's the message? In any event, I brought up the "little girls/lipstick" controversy last year, because I knew the convo would continue.  

Makeup Must-Have: Beautiful Blues

Photo Credit: glamour.com

Photo Credit: nikkistyle.net

Beauty Notes | Shadowing the lower lid with a dazzling shade of electric blue certainly makes a beauty statement for a flawlessly and fun evening out on the town. I pinned superstar singer Kelly Rowland's picture to my inspiration board, because she nails the look.

I wholeheartedly adore lining not only my lower lids with jazzed-out beautiful blues -- but my lower eyelashes as well -- and use Maybelline Great Lash Washable Mascara in Royal Blue.

Check Out My Pinterest Board: Kelly Rowland: Style Evolution 

[Follow me on Twitter]

Just A Little Mascara...

Beauty Notes! 'Are those eyelash extensions?' ... is one of the most flattering questions I am asked all of the time. My Response: Nope. It's just good 'ole LashBlast Volume Blasting Mascara by CoverGirl; I don't even use an eyelash curler before applying.

Though, I would wear falsies for the extra drama -- if I only knew how to put them on correctly. Ugh! I tried once and almost glued my eyes shut, so I gave up on that.

Dedicated Customer. LashBlast 'Blasting' mascara has been my go-to eye enhancer since forever; I use No. 800 Very Black. | Read more CoverGirl-related posts. |

Photo Credit: nikkistyle™

Nicki's Must-Haves!

Photo Credit: thatgrapejuice.net

Beauty Notes | Elle gave its readers the lowdown on superstar Nicki Minaj's beauty secrets, as well as her favorite products. And because I am such a huge Nicki fan (*ahem* Trinidad, please stand up!) — I had to put the spotlight on this fun-filled girlie interview. 


See it now! The World Premiere of 'Stupid Hoe'

Interview Excerpt:

What’s the most high-maintenance part of your beauty routine? 

My eyes, because they’re the one thing I need my makeup artist to do. I don’t have the patience, my hands shake, and I mess everything up. So my makeup artist has to do my brows and lids and lashes. Everyone knows I’m a lash girl by now. When I don’t have my lashes, I feel naked. 

Are they extensions or strips? 

Today I’m wearing strips. I used to wear the individual lashes, but those became so time-consuming. We needed to figure out an easier way, so my makeup artist has been experimenting with cutting lash strips in half and piling them on top of each other. 

What’s the best tip a makeup artist has taught you? 

I contour by using a lighter shade of foundation under my eyes instead of concealer. I take it down in a triangle by the sides of my nose, and then apply blush on top. I don’t do round, rosy cheeks; that’s for old people. It’s played out. I like the color to be like a diagonal line across the cheekbone up to the temples. It really changes the shape of my face. 

What’s always in your makeup bag? 

I can’t see myself without pink lipstick. I can go without it for a couple days, but if there was no more pink lipstick in the world, I’d be useless. Seriously. And a good white pencil for under the eye, just inside the rim. It helps you look like you’re on. [Source]

Nicki's Superstar Must-Haves!
Get the Deets Here

Clear Mascara for Brow Grooming?

Photo Credit: maybelline.com

Beauty Notes | Lucky published a blog today: Five Steps Toward the Best Brows Ever — and Step 4 of 5 consists of using Clear Mascara by Maybelline. 

Back in Jan ('10) I wrote a blog about this product. And, over the last several months, I've been using the gel formula in the tube for slicking down (i.e. "setting") my brows for a fab finish, and it works! But honestly I never told anyone because I thought it was a little weird ... using clear mascara for brows and all. Anyways. I was ecstatic to find out that I'm not the only one using the product in [this] manner, as a Lucky blogger is doing it, too! Besides, now the mascara is being advertised as "America's Favorite Mascara for Lash and Brow" via Maybelline. Shut. The. Front. Door. I could have sworn that wasn't the tag line when I originally bought the mascara (but I could be wrong ... whatevs).

Photo Credit: maybelline.com

In terms of using Clear Mascara for what it was actually intended for—which is eyelashes—I just don't. Truthfully, applying the clear mascara gel to my lashes does not do a whole lot of "super shiny" finishing, as Makeup Artist Carmindy suggested (to Glamour) a while ago. Carmindy also commented that the product is like "hair gel for lashes." I say it's simply hair gel for brows!

In any event, the Lucky blog reminded me to touch base and share my opinion of the product since I never did give an update. 

Have any of YOU used this product? What do you think? YAY or NO WAY?  

[New Year] Makeup Shopping Haul

Photo Credit: nikkistyle™

Beauty Notes! To kick-off the New Year right, I went out today not only to take advantage of all the wonderful sales, but to also replenish my stock of must-have makeup. The featured products are my essentials! In other words, you will always find each of these items in my makeup bag every single day.

Product Information:

1. CLEAN Normal Skin Pressed Powder by CoverGirl; No. 155, Soft Honey
2. TRUblend Minerals Bronzer by CoverGirl; No. 440, Natural Bronze
3. LashBlast Volume Blasting Mascara by CoverGirl; No. 800, Very Black
4. Line Express Eyeliner by Maybelline; No. 901, Ebony Black
5. Professional Cosmetic Sponges/Wedges by CareOne  
6. Telescopic Precision Liquid Eyeliner by L'Oreal Paris; No. 800 (Black

What are your makeup essentials? Feel free to comment, or @ reply me on Twitter. TTYS-

New Product: L'Oreal Telescopic Waterproof Precision Liquid Eyeliner

Currently Using: Pencil 

Now Using: Liquid

Beauty Notes | Apparently, I've been stuck in the dark ages, because (black) pencil eyeliner was my go-to eye enhancer, in addition to my beloved LashBlast by CoverGirl. Though, everyday I found myself highly annoyed by having to constantly reapply eyeliner. Thinking: I just knew there had to be a better way to stay lined all day long. And, I was right. Recently I decided to purchase L'Oreal Telescopic Waterproof Precision Liquid Eyeliner ... and what a great buy it was!

No Running. No Smudging. Long-Lasting — All Day Wear. 

So, did I totally give up on pencil eyeliner? No way! I use it to touch-up my lower lids. But [I did] migrate over to using liquid (i.e. new product) to line my upper lids ... and am currently in the midst of perrrfecting my liquid-lining technique in efforts to achieve the baddest cat-eye wing. To be continued...

Photo Credit: temptalia.com

Are They Too Young?

Photo Credit: Zimbio

Hot Topic! I was browsing through photos and stopped and starred at the one above: Is Suri Cruise wearing lipstick? Because I know the red smear ain't Kool-Aide.

So check this out, and feel free to challenge me on what I am about to express: It is one thing for a young girl to "play dress up" around the house, but to incorporate getting her makeup done before she goes out in public -- is unsettling (no, disturbing.) The featured photo coupled with People magazine's latest cover story "Gone Too Far?" which discusses the Toddlers & Tiaras controversy makes me wanna punch something. 

Photo Credit: nikkistyle

Following are some thought-provoking 'research' questions as it relates to over beautifying young innocent girls: Are some parents going too far with beautification? Is it a form of negative exploitation? Are parents (and the general public) unintentionally defining beauty as having to cake-on makeup? What are the potential psychological implications of girls (younger than 11 years old) believing that beauty must correlate with wearing heavy amounts of makeup, red lipstick, gluing on false eyelashes, waxing body parts, and sewing-in hair extensions? 

Frankly, what constitutes "beautiful" or "cute" in the eyes of the media/general public is ridiculously out of whack, and the ignorance pushes my hot button. Look at the toddler on the right. I can't...

There's so much more to say! What do you think? Email your thoughts to nikki@nikkistyle.net, or @ reply me on Twitter. I just know this conversation will continue...

Beauty Products I'm Loving!

Makeup Essentials

Beauty Notes! Last month I uploaded a TwitPic showing a few essential CoverGirl products that I can't live without: Pressed Powder, LashBlast Volume Blasting Mascara, and a new product that I recently tried and love, which is the Liquiline Blast Eyeliner. But @COVERGIRL responded to my tweet and said that I'm missing the newest product to hit shelves — NatureLuxe!

Guess What? I ran out and purchased NatureLuxe' Silk Foundation and Gloss Balm. And so glad I did! I never wore foundation because I could never find the right shade and texture to compliment my natural skin, so I just relied on my handy pressed powder. But that's up until a few weeks ago when I started using the Silk Foundation.

Silk Foundation (#1) is smooth as butter and does not have that heavy cake-on look or feel, and my face looks flawless when I'm done applying. Love. It. Dearly.

Buah Bye Chapped Lips ... another product (#2) that's awesome is the NatureLuxe Gloss Balm. Secret: Any product made to keep [my] lips healthy and covered with a hint of a pinkish tone — is a beauty must-have!

Smells Good- The 3rd product (which is not CoverGirl) is my latest "signature scent" by Marc Jacobs called Daisy; it smells good. Tip: Ask for the travel size when purchasing new scents. Why? Because always start small whenever trying something new — and gradually go bigger. Also, the smaller the size, the easier to travel with. 

New stuff in my makeup bag!

(FASHION/BEAUTY NEWS) - JUST IN! Gwen Stefani is the 'Newest' Face of L’Oréal Paris!

Photo Credit: People magazine

Style Notes | Honestly, I don't really use L’Oréal Paris products, but the news just broke that one of my favorite style icons, Gwen Stefani, is the newest face of  L’Oréal. HOORAY!

BEHIND THE BEAUTY: KERI HILSON - VIDEO See What's In Her Bag!

Photo Credit: BET

THE ICY [SCI-FI] PRINCESS

Photo Credit: Elle; Courtesy of Disney Enterprises, Inc.

Style Notes | This look is completely fierce. And as Elle magazine recently said, "Sci-fi looks are off the grid" — I couldn't agree more. 

TRON: Legacy (2010) now playing in theaters.

Ke$ha's Baby Blue Lip

Photo Credit: Global Grind

Style Notes | Don't hit me y'all. But I think with some minor tweaking Ke$ha could actually pull off a baby blue lip. I see potential!

Snooki, ON FASHION

Style Notes | Here you'll see Jersey Shore's Snooki chat with celebrity gossip columnist and blogger Perez Hilton about her personal style and why bronzer is an absolute must. Gotta' love Snooks! 

Source: cocoperez.com

INTERVIEW: Girl Talk w/Celebrity Makeup Artist, Carlene K

Darlings, I had the chance to engage in some girl talk with Carlene K. She and I chatted about her amazing [California-based] career as a professional makeup artist, among other things. Carlene K’s track record includes glamorizing top celebrities such as, Eva Longoria, Meagan Good, Paris Hilton, Prima J, Scarlett Johansson, The Pussycat Dolls, and R&B songstress Vivian Green. The makeup artist extraordinaire also did some work with Cosmo Girl, Elle, Jewel, People, Vanity Fair, and Zink, in addition to styling for ad campaigns, fashion runway shows, music videos, and television/film. To describe her resume as 'impressive’ is an understatement--Carlene K's makeup artistry is the epitome of fabulousness.

I am so humbled to have interviewed such a remarkable talent. Carlene K has illustrated an entrepreneurial spirit from the age of 17, which landed her in, what I call, surreal situations styling the most beautiful people in the entertainment industry. And guess what? Throughout the interview, I even picked up a few makeup tricks ... you may too!

Nikki: Hi, Carlene K!  Let’s begin this interview by you telling me where you’re originally from.

Carlene K: I was born in Hawaii and lived there for a few years, but mostly grew up in Huntington Beach, California. Beach girl all the way!

N: What inspired you to become a makeup artist?

C: I started out by modeling a bit in high school; I did a job for a small cosmetics company and the makeup artist put crazy bright colors on my eyes. I was in love from that point on!

N: You’ve done makeup for notable celebrities—from Meagan Good to Paris Hilton to Scarlett Johansson.  Additionally, you worked your makeup magic for ad campaigns and magazines publications, such as Vogue.  What particular project (or client) gave you your big break in the makeup industry?

C: Definitely working with The Pussycat Dolls gave me my big break.  I started (working) with them in 2001 at 21 years old; at the time they were a Burlesque Dance Group with celebrity guest stars. I got the chance to really build my resume and meet a ton of people. Working with them definitely took me to the next level.

N: Former lead singer of The Pussycat Dolls, Nicole Scherzinger, is absolutely gorgeous.  I understand that you were one of the responsible darlings for doing her makeup for various projects.  What are some of Nicole’s finest facial features that you enjoy working with?

C: Nicole has skin like I’ve never seen before. She doesn’t have a single pore or blemish on her face---no dark circles, no wrinkles, no nothing. It’s perfect! (laughing) It boggles my mind. She has the skin of an infant, and has never had a facial—a naturally gorgeous girl.

N: I have to ask: Did you also do Nicole’s makeup for her appearances on this season of Dancing with the Stars?

C: I don’t do Nicole’s makeup for Dancing with the Stars. I do, however, do her makeup for all the master interviews for the show (which you see before she dances each week), and I‘ve been doing all her press for the show—George Lopez, the Us Weekly shoot, etc.

N: I loved Jewel magazine, and to this day, I still have the (May ‘07) print issue with Meagan Good on the cover.  And I saw that very cover in your portfolio! Did you do her makeup for the cover shoot?  How was it working with Meagan?

C: I did do Meagan for the cover and inside spread. She’s another naturally gorgeous one with perfect skin—and beautiful on the inside, too! I really love working with her.

N: Meagan’s skin always looks so healthy and flawlessly bronzed.  What’s the beauty secret there?

C: I’ve been in the process of launching my own body bronzer for a long time; it’s called CARLENE K- Shine Bronzer. I created it on The Pussycat Dolls years ago, and have been using it on all my celeb clients for years. Meagan is wearing it on her body in the Jewel mag shoot!

N: What are some other makeup techniques you used on Meagan for the Jewel cover?  And please don’t forget to mention Meagan’s eyebrows—that woman has got to have the best-shaped brows on this planet.  So do tell, Miss Carlene K…

C: Meagan is very particular about her eyebrows, so we really take the time to get them perfect.  For one of the looks we did a bronzy eye gloss on her eyelids; it was super sexy on her!

N. Speaking of eyebrows, what’s the best technique for giving them shape and a finished look?  (i.e. waxing, threading, tweezing)

C. I’m not a big fan of waxing, I know a lot of people that break out from it, and it pulls the skin and wears down the elasticity around the eyes. I suggest getting them waxed or threaded every so often, and then keeping up the shape by plucking. I love VanityMark Eyebrow Pencils, and I love Urban Decay Eyebrow Boxes. They (both) come with two shades, wax to seal the brow, and mini tweezers.

N: I have a confession: I have no talent for applying foundation what so ever.  Any tips for me and the other non-inclined foundation appliers?

C: If you go to a makeup counter they’ll usually match the color to your jaw line; I match the foundation to the shoulders. A lot of people wear SPF in their face products so naturally their bodies are darker. It’s super important to make sure your face blends with your body. I also apply foundation, and then apply concealer to the little spots that still need covering after---instead of applying heavy foundation all over.

N: What are your Top 5 Makeup Trends for spring 2010?

C: (1) Bronzed Skin, Face, and Body (2) Bright Lips (3) Cream Blush (4) Love Thick “Piecy” Lashes and (5) Always a Great Bronzy Smokey Eye for Evening.

N: Any new projects in the pipeline that you would like to share?

C: The launch of Carlene K-Shine Bronzer with a celeb endorsement is pretty exciting! I’ve got Kristin Cavallari, Danica Patrick, and Nicole Shcherzinger all this week.

N: Before we wrap up this interview, we’re going to play a little game.  Tell me the first word that comes to mind when you hear the following:

• Fall 2010 - Dark Purple
• Lady Gaga - Inspired
• CoverGirl - Rihanna (laughing)
• Eyelash Curler - Shu Uemura
• Twitter - Obsessed!
• Billy B - Genius!!!

N: Thank you for taking the time to do this interview.  You rock!  I wish you continued success!

C: Thank you, it was fun!!! xoxoxo

SHOP CARLENE K COSMETICS HERE.

Photo Credit: Carlene K, Select Artist Management