Who doesnt LOVE samples? Especially free ones? But what about paying for a monthly subscription that would deliver new products to you each month to test and try? The concept is great, and I have found a few worthy services that I wanted to share, and some I wanted to warn you about.
Birchbox - $10.00/monthly. This service is dependable and the boxes are nicely coordinated with a profile you set up on their site. The samples are large and you get about 5 usually, and then can purchased the full size product on their website at a distance. B Rated
Test Tube New Beauty - $29.95/every 3 months. Yes, this one is expensive, but you are paying every 3 months and what you get is a cool, large mailing test tube with New Beauty Magazine and several large sample products. If you really want to keep up to date on new products coming out - this is the service for you. A Rated
MyGlam/Ipsy - $10.00/monthly - You have to be invited to this Beauty Blogger designed sample service, but it is so worth it. This is by far the best of the services other than Beauty Army. The samples are terrific and box arrives right on time and you get a adorable makeup bag every month. A+Rated
BeautyArmy - $12.00/month (only subscription service that allows you to "skip" a month without having to cancel) I LOVE this one. You are prompted to pick your 6 samples every month. Its the only service that you pick yourself and if you are not interested in what they offer that month - than just skip it! A++Rated
Crave Box - CANCELLED
Eco-Emi - $15/month - Eco friendly samples are great but these fall short. Samples are not all beauty items so some months you can get caught off guard. Wasnt impressed. D Rated
GoGo Girlfriend - STAY AWAY. Total scam. They dont even bother to send the boxes out and if they bill you, you will likely wait months to see some dollar store samples show up on doorstep. Web page is filled with complaints. F Rated
So Glammies - look in to these that you might find interesting - and stay beautiful! XOXO Tam
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
High End Cosmetics versus Drug Store
As a Professional Makeup Artist I am asked nearly every day if there really is a difference between department store cosmetics like MAC, Estee Lauder & Lancome, versus that which you would buy at the drugstore or Target i.e; Revlon, L'oreal, Maybelline. Alot of very expensive brands own a drugstore brand as well. Meaning they have access to the same ingredients, innovation and packaging as their more expensive counterpart.
Here is a list of brands owned by the same company. I won't name all the brands per corporation because it will turn into a huge list. All of the corporations have their own websites to visit for more information.
L'Oreal - L'Oreal Paris, Maybelline New York, Lancome, Garnier, YSL beauty, Shu Uemura, Giorgio Armani (beauty), Kiehls, The Body Shop
Estee Lauder- MAC, La Mer, Smashbox, Clinque, Origins, Aveda, Bumble & Bumble, Tom Ford Beauty
LVMH- Benefit, Guerlain, MAKE UP FOR EVER, Fresh, Dior, Givenchy, Sephora
Shiseido - Shiseido, NARS, Cle de Peau
Proctor & Gamble- Anna Sui, Aussie, Dolce & Gabbana, Olay, DDF, SK-II, Wella, Escada Fragrances, CoverGirl
Johnson & Johnson- Korres, Aveeno, Neutrogena
And a few companies that may not be familar to some US consumers -
Amore Pacific - Amore Pacific, Etude House, Lolita Lempicka, Laneige, Sulwhasoo
Kanebo - Sensai, Kate
Kose - esprique, Visee, Fasio
What this means to consumers is that when purchasing a tube of mascara at Lancome, for example their "Doll Lashes" mascara runs about $35.00 for a tube. If you were to go in to Target and purchase L'oreal's Double Extend mascara -you will most likely see the same results only that tube of mascara will cost you $10.00 max. I am in no way saying that cheaper is better. MAC's pigments, and even eye shadows are beyond reproach from anything else. Make Up For Ever has the best HD powders and corrective concealers I have ever used. Think about the item you are about to purchase and read reviews first especially if the item is pricey. MAC's eye shadows are $15.00 each, but they will last almost forever, and their color payoff and duration are worth every cent. But don't spend $30.00 on a tube of mascara that you should throw out in 3 months anyways. Below I listed items that I choose to invest the most on, and what I will "scrimp" on.
Your most money would be invested in your Makeup Brushes and your Foundation. I can not emphasize enough the importance of quality makeup brushes. Women will spend a large amount of money on great cosmetics and then apply them with the worst tools. Good brushes which should be cleaned (if only using on yourself) once a week will last you your lifetime. Foundation is another place where you should not cut corners, although my two favorites are dupes for one another. I LOVE Revlon's Colorstay Foundation which is almost exactly like MAC's Studio Fix.
I will not spend a big amount on mascara, and bronzers. I found drugstore ones that I LOVE.
In the end, the best advice is to ask if you are not sure.
Until next time
Glitter and Gloss
Tam Darling
XOXO
Here is a list of brands owned by the same company. I won't name all the brands per corporation because it will turn into a huge list. All of the corporations have their own websites to visit for more information.
L'Oreal - L'Oreal Paris, Maybelline New York, Lancome, Garnier, YSL beauty, Shu Uemura, Giorgio Armani (beauty), Kiehls, The Body Shop
Estee Lauder- MAC, La Mer, Smashbox, Clinque, Origins, Aveda, Bumble & Bumble, Tom Ford Beauty
LVMH- Benefit, Guerlain, MAKE UP FOR EVER, Fresh, Dior, Givenchy, Sephora
Shiseido - Shiseido, NARS, Cle de Peau
Proctor & Gamble- Anna Sui, Aussie, Dolce & Gabbana, Olay, DDF, SK-II, Wella, Escada Fragrances, CoverGirl
Johnson & Johnson- Korres, Aveeno, Neutrogena
And a few companies that may not be familar to some US consumers -
Amore Pacific - Amore Pacific, Etude House, Lolita Lempicka, Laneige, Sulwhasoo
Kanebo - Sensai, Kate
Kose - esprique, Visee, Fasio
What this means to consumers is that when purchasing a tube of mascara at Lancome, for example their "Doll Lashes" mascara runs about $35.00 for a tube. If you were to go in to Target and purchase L'oreal's Double Extend mascara -you will most likely see the same results only that tube of mascara will cost you $10.00 max. I am in no way saying that cheaper is better. MAC's pigments, and even eye shadows are beyond reproach from anything else. Make Up For Ever has the best HD powders and corrective concealers I have ever used. Think about the item you are about to purchase and read reviews first especially if the item is pricey. MAC's eye shadows are $15.00 each, but they will last almost forever, and their color payoff and duration are worth every cent. But don't spend $30.00 on a tube of mascara that you should throw out in 3 months anyways. Below I listed items that I choose to invest the most on, and what I will "scrimp" on.
Your most money would be invested in your Makeup Brushes and your Foundation. I can not emphasize enough the importance of quality makeup brushes. Women will spend a large amount of money on great cosmetics and then apply them with the worst tools. Good brushes which should be cleaned (if only using on yourself) once a week will last you your lifetime. Foundation is another place where you should not cut corners, although my two favorites are dupes for one another. I LOVE Revlon's Colorstay Foundation which is almost exactly like MAC's Studio Fix.
I will not spend a big amount on mascara, and bronzers. I found drugstore ones that I LOVE.
In the end, the best advice is to ask if you are not sure.
Until next time
Glitter and Gloss
Tam Darling
XOXO
Monday, May 6, 2013
Is a Professional Makeup Artist worth it?
Many Brides wonder if its necessary to hire someone to come and do their makeup on their very special day. Its not just because I am a Makeup Artist that I highly encourage this, its so many reasons.
You spend a long time dreaming, planning, organizing your wedding, even if its on a smaller scale. And what bride doesn't want things to go off with out a hitch? A Makeup Artist can truly be a invaluable source for you. I recently did the hair and makeup on a wonderful lady who had to plan her wedding here in Phoenix from another country. Her Groom is from here and although they had already technically gotten married in the country they live in - they flew in to Phoenix, along with various friends and family from all over the world. The bride was the kindest and most down to earth woman I had ever met and I immediately became enthralled with her. She was pregnant and getting married - two reason alone to be the ultimate Bridezilla, but she was calm and serene. I transformed her hair and makeup prior to the service and then travelled over with her to the venue and touched her up before she walked down the aisle. During the long period of standing for pictures, I brought her Hors d'oeuvres and water, touched up her lip gloss and smoothed down her hair. When they went outside for pictures, I was right behind her, holding her dress up and swatting off ants from the grass.
Your Makeup Artist is that person that is their solely to make sure you are comfortable, content, and perfectly groomed and glossed. No need to worry if your bridesmaids or friends are missing any part of the party because they are tending to you, your Makeup Artist with take care of it all.
So, when the time comes and you contemplate doing your own makeup or having a friend do it, consider the additional benefits a Makeup Artist provides for you - along with the 15 years of Makeup experience and thousands of dollars in products I have tried and tested.
Glitter & Gloss
Tam Darling Makeup Artist
http://tamdarlingmua.webs.com
Many Brides wonder if its necessary to hire someone to come and do their makeup on their very special day. Its not just because I am a Makeup Artist that I highly encourage this, its so many reasons.
You spend a long time dreaming, planning, organizing your wedding, even if its on a smaller scale. And what bride doesn't want things to go off with out a hitch? A Makeup Artist can truly be a invaluable source for you. I recently did the hair and makeup on a wonderful lady who had to plan her wedding here in Phoenix from another country. Her Groom is from here and although they had already technically gotten married in the country they live in - they flew in to Phoenix, along with various friends and family from all over the world. The bride was the kindest and most down to earth woman I had ever met and I immediately became enthralled with her. She was pregnant and getting married - two reason alone to be the ultimate Bridezilla, but she was calm and serene. I transformed her hair and makeup prior to the service and then travelled over with her to the venue and touched her up before she walked down the aisle. During the long period of standing for pictures, I brought her Hors d'oeuvres and water, touched up her lip gloss and smoothed down her hair. When they went outside for pictures, I was right behind her, holding her dress up and swatting off ants from the grass.
Your Makeup Artist is that person that is their solely to make sure you are comfortable, content, and perfectly groomed and glossed. No need to worry if your bridesmaids or friends are missing any part of the party because they are tending to you, your Makeup Artist with take care of it all.
So, when the time comes and you contemplate doing your own makeup or having a friend do it, consider the additional benefits a Makeup Artist provides for you - along with the 15 years of Makeup experience and thousands of dollars in products I have tried and tested.
Glitter & Gloss
Tam Darling Makeup Artist
http://tamdarlingmua.webs.com
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)