SFX SUNDAY: Severe Frostbite (Gangrene)

I've decided to start a new series.  Every Sunday I'll be posting a special effects makeup look on my instagram (shadowbeautyxx) with an accompanying blog post going over the steps I took to get the look. 
     This is my first look.  It's inspired by a video Powdah posted on his youtube channel.  It's a picture of a finger suffering severe frostbite that has led to gangrene.
This is how I got this look:
1.) Make sure the area  is clean.  Decide where you'd like the gangrene to start.  This is where you'll be applying the modeling wax.  Apply spirit gum to that area.  Tap it to get it tacky.  I used the Jordane Cosmetics Spirit Gum.
2.) Take some modeling wax and form it in to a snake.  Use petroleum jelly on your hands to prevent it from sticking to your hands.  Wrap the snake around your finger where you have applied the spirit gum.  Blend the edge down toward you hand.  The edge facing toward the finger tip, leave it as is so that it's thicker then your finger.  I used the Graftobian Modeling Wax.
3.) Using the Skin Illustrator FX Palette, use Primary Yellow from the finger tip to where the wax starts.  I used a brush because this will be the base color.
4.) From that same palette, use the Green and randomly stipple it over the yellow.  You don't need to cover the whole finger. Just place it in a few places.
5.) Next, from the same palette, use the Black and stipple it over the entire finger.  Let some of the yellow and green peak through the black to add to the affect.  Also stipple the black over the finger nail.
6.) Use a stipple sponge and dab it over the was to add a skin like texture to it.
7.) Use a cream foundation over the wax so that it matches your skintone.  I used the Makeup Forever Ultra HD Foundation Stick.
8.)Using a spatula, create some cracks.at the edge of the wax.
9) Next I used some Ben Nye Neutral Set of the finger to set the foundation.
10.)Using the Bruise and Blood Tones from the Skin Illustrator Palette randomly stipple them over the finger from the wax towards the palm.  These colors will add an irritated look to the finger.
11.) Lastly, add some thick blood to the cracks and lightly stipple it over the black as well as the edge of the wax. I used the Ben Nye Fresh Scab.

This is one of the first special effects I've tried and for my first try, I think it turned out ok. 

SHOPPING LIST:
Jordane Cosmetics Spirit Gum: at jordane.com for $9
Graftobian Modeling Wax: (light flesh tone) at graftobian.com for $4.79
Skin Illustrator FX Palette: at alconeco.com for $80
Alcone 99% Isoproply Alcohol: at alconeco.com for $7
Makeup Forever Ultra HD Foundation Stick: at sephora.com for $43
Ben Nye Neutral Set: at makeupmedly.com for $8
Ben Nye Fresh Scab: at makeupmedley.com for $7.50

MAKEUP LOOK: Glitter Friday

This makeup look uses the new Liquid Metal from Lit Cosmetics in Magnetic (gold flake).  These are not really available yet ( I got mine at IMATS NY) so you can just use the Lit Glitter in Goth instead.  They are similar enough.

This is how I achieved this look:
1.) Apply an eyeshadow primer.  I used the NYX HD Primer
2.) Mix the Lit Cosmetics Liquid Metal in Magnetic (gold flake) with the Clearly Liquid Glitter Base.  Apply this to the lid.  Keep your eye closed until this dries to avaoid transfer.
3.) Apply a teal eyeshadow to the crease.  I used the Sugarpill Loose Eyeshadow in Hug Life.  You can apply this higher up because you'll be applying another crease color.
4.) Apply a black eyeshadow in the crease.  Keep this color closer to the actual crease and blend it up into the teal.  I used the Sugarpill Eyeshadow in Bulletproof.
5.) Use a black eyeliner on the lower lash line to act as a base for the glitter.  I used the Urban Decay 24/7 Pencil in Zero.
6.) Mix the Lit Cosmetics Glitter in Goth in size 2 with the Clearly Liquid Glitter Base and apply this to the lower lash line>
7.) Use a teal pencil in the waterline.  I used Makeup Forever Aqua Eyes Pencil in 12L.
8.) Time for highlights.  Apply a teal duochrome eyeshadow to the brow bone and inner corner.  I used the Sugarpill Loose Eyeshadow in Lumi.
9.) Apply mascara.  I used the Younique Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes Mascara.
10.) Fill in your brows.  I used the Anastasia Brow Powder in Ash Blonde/ Taupe.
11.) Apply a color corrector under the eyes.  I used the Benefit Erase Paste.
12.)  I applied the Rimmel Stay Matte foundation in 010 Light Porcelain.
13.) Time for powder. I used the Benefit Stray Flawless powder.
14.) Apply blush.  I use Too Faced Love Flush Blush in I Will Always Love You.
15. ) Apply lipstick.  I decided to do an ombre lip for this look.  I used the Estee Edit Mattified Lipstick in The Storm and NYX Wicked Lippie in Scandalous in the center.

SHOPPING LIST:
NYX HD Primer: at ulta.com at $6.99
Lit Cosmetics Clearly Liquid Glitter Base: at litcosmetics.com for $23
Lit Cosmetics Liquid Metal in Magnetic (gold flake): (not yet available)
Lit Cosmetics Glitter in Goth: at litcosmetics.com for $16
Urban Decay 24/7 Pencil in Zero: at ulta.com for $20
Makeup Forever Aqua Eyes in 12L: this is no longer available but an alternative is the Aqua XL at sephora.com for $21
Sugarpill Eyeshadow in Bulletproof: at sugarpill.net for $13
Sugarpill Loose Eyeshadow in Hug Life: at sugarpill.net for $13
Sugarpill Loose Eyeshadow in Lumi: for sugarpill.net for $14
Younique Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes Mascara: at alexesonfire.com for $29
Anastasia Brow Powder: at ulta.com for $23
Benefit Erase Paste: at ulta.com for $26
Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation: at ulta.com for $4.99
Benefit Stay Flawless Powder: at ulta.com for $34
Too Faced Love Flush Blush in I Will Always Love You: at ulta.com for $26
Estee Edit Mattified Lipstick in The Storm: at sephora.com for $22
NYX Wicked Lippie in Scandalous: at ulta.com for $5.99

PALETTE OF THE WEEK: Violet Voss Holy Grail Palette

About once a month I do a "Palette of The Week" series on my instagram account.  This is where I pick a palette and use it to create 5 different looks.  This week I chose the Violet Voss Holy Grail Palette.  I did a quick review of the palette and I also have swatches of all the colors in the previous post if you'd like more info.

Here are the looks I created:

1.) Thanks A Latte (above crease to blend out), Transition (crease), Brownie Points (crease, lower lash line), Cool Beans (inner half of lid), Toffee (outer half of lid), Crystal (brow bone)
2.) Thanks A Latte (above crease to blend out), Transition (crease, lower lash line), Wine N Dine (crease, lower lash line), So Jelly (lid), Cranberry Splash (outer lid), Crystal + Ploof (brow bone)
3.) Thanks A Latte (above crease to blend out), Awesome Sauce (inner half of lid), How U Doin (outer half of lid), Teddy Bear (crease), Glamping (lower lash line), Crystal (brow bone), Ploof (inner corner)
4.) Thanks A Latte (above crease to blend out), Bestie (crease), R U Kitten Me (crease, lower lash line), Brownie Points (crease), Chill (lid), Cool Beans (inner lid), Crystal (brow bone, inner corner)
5.) Thanks A Latte (above crease to blend out), Wine N Dine (crease, lower lash line), Teddy Bear (crease, lower lash line), So Jelly (lid), Crystal (brow bone, inner corner0

AVAILABILITY:
This is a limited edition palette that can b e purchased from shopvioletvoss.com for $52.

REVIEW: Violet Voss Holy Grail Palette

 The Violet Voss Holy Grail Palette is a limited edition palette.  It has golden, coppery, bronzy, and burgundy shades.  It has mattes and shimmers.  The colors are all smooth, pigmented, and long wearing.  The mattes are all great quality and are very easy to blend.  The colors all work well together. I have worn these shades (with a primer) for over 12 hours and I had no creasing or fading. If you can get your hands on it, I'd highly recommend this palette.


SHADES:
TOP ROW:
Crystal (shimmer)
Ploof (shimmer0
Thanks A Latte (matte)
Transition ((matte)
Hashtag (matte)

SECOND ROW:
Awesome Sauce (shimmer)
Bestie (matte)
Toffee (shimmer)
Chill (shimmer)
How U Doin (shimmer)

THIRD ROW:
Bat My Eyes (shimmer)
Cool Beans (shimmer)
 R U Kitten Me (matte)
So Jelly (shimmer)
On Fleek (shimmer)

BOTTOM ROW:
Brownie Points (matte)
Teddy Bear (matte)
Glamping (shimmer)
Cranberry Splash (shimmer)
Wine N Dine (matte)


AVAILABILITY:
This is a limited edition palette and can be purchased at shopvioletvoss.com for $52

April 2016 Favorites

These are my April favorites  I posted a picture on my instagram a few weeks ago, but I haven't had a chance to write about until now.  Better late than never!
1.) NYX Avant Pop Surreal My Heart Palette
     This was in last month's favorites and is still a favorite.  I really can't stop wearing.  I just really love the colors; I love how great they apply; I love how they wear. It's just a great palette.
2.) Too Faced Pink Leopard Bronzer
     This is my holy grail bronzer.  I'm very fair and this bronzer looks very natural on me.  It has a little bit of pink in it so I can even wear it as a blush.  I just really love how it looks.
3.) Milk Makeup Lip Color in C.R.E.A.M.
     I got a sample of this lipstick in my March Birchbox and I loved it so much that I bought the full size.  It's a nude mauve and a beautiful everyday color.  I couldn't stop wearing it in April.  I even brought it with me when I went to NYC for IMATS.
4.) Impulse Cosmetics Duochrome Lip Lacquer in Hypnosis
     I had initially just bought a sample of this color, and I loved the color and formula so much that I had to order the full size.  It's one of the most comfortable liquid lipstick formulas that I've tried.  I loved it enough to bring it with me to NYC for IMATS.
5.) Sugarpill Loose Eyeshadw in Lumi
     This is such a great color.  It's a teal duochrome and looks great on top of the shadows but I love wearing it as a brow bone or inner corner highlight.  I also like wearing it as a cheek highlight.
6.) Inglot AMC Pigment in 114
     It's a gorgeous cerrulean blue with a gold duochrome.  I used it for my makeup at IMATS.  It has a reflective finish and looks gorgeous. It also wears all day.
7.) Lit Cosmetics Liquid Metal in Glisten (silver flake)
      I love all the liquid metal shades but this is the one I've worn the most.  It's so metallic and shiny.  It just looks so beautiful on the lid.  You do need to use a mixing medium for the full effect and I use the Lit Cosmetics Clearly Liquid Glitter Base.
8.) Royal & Langnickel Powder Brush
     I picked up this brush at IMATS in the MODA Perfect Mineral 6 Pc. Professional Brush Set.  I love using this brush for bronzer and contour.
9.) Makeup Forever Camouflage Cream Palette in N.1 Light
     I love this concealer palette because it has all the colors I need all in one place.  Also, the texture is smooth and creamy.  It's also very pigmented so a little goes a long way.

SHOPPING LIST:
NYX Avant Pop Surreal My Heart Palette:  ulta.com for $16.99
Too Faced Pink Leopard Bronzer: sephora.com for $30
Milk Makeup Lip Color in C.R.E.A.M.: sephora.com for $22
Impulse Cosmetics Duochrome Lip Lacquer in Hypnosis: impulsecosmetics.com for $10.99
Sugarpill Loose Eyeshadow in Lumi: sugarpill.net for $14
Inglot AMC Pigment in 114: inglotusa.com for $16
Lit Cosmetics Liquid Metal in Glisten (silver flake): (not yet available.  I got mine at IMATS)
Royal & Langnickel Powder Brush: beautyusa.royalbrush.com for $19.99 for the set
Makeup Forever Camouflage Cream Palette: sephora.com for $40

OVERVIEW: My Current Favorite Brow Products

Whenever I wear makeup, I always fill in my brows.  That's because my brow hair is a light blonde color so when I wear makeup, it looks like I don't have any.  I currently have 5 favorite brow products.
1.) MAC Fluidline Brow Gelcreme in Dirty Blonde
This is a pomade similar to the Anastasia (although I have never used it so I can't really compare them). The color is a little bit dark so I only use it when I'm wearing makeup.  I can get a variety of looks with this depending on how much product I use.  It can go from light and natural to dark and defined.  I use the Crown Brush in C413 Brow Duo.  I really like how it applies the product.  I can use very little product and use very light pressure and get a more natural yet define brow, or I can use more product and more pressure and I get a darker and defined brow. It has a creamy consistency. I love how long wearing it is.  My day is usually around 12 hours long and I have never had any issues with fading or flaking.   AVAILABILITY: at maccosmetics.com for $16.50 and the brush at crownbrush.com for $3.28
2.) Anastasia Brow Powder Duo in Ash Blonde/ Taupe
I have it in the old packaging.  Now it comes in a black compact and the color is just Taupe.  The powder is smooth and very pigmented.  This is what I use on an everyday basis even if I'm wearing minimal or no makeup.  It's quick and gives the most natural look to my brows while still giving them some definition.  I use the Real Techniques Brow Brush.  I don't have any issues with it fading throughout the day so I don't usually use a  brow gel but when I do, I use the one from elf. AVAIABILITY: at sephora.com for $23 and the brush is only available in the Real Techniques Starter Set at ulta.com for $17.99
3.) MAC Pro Longwear Waterproof Brow Set in Emphatically Blonde
This is a long wearing brow gel. The brush is not overloaded with product and product feels moussey when applied. The color is a warmer blonde and I can get a fairly natural brow with it.  I only use enough to keep my brows in place and it deposits just enough color.  The brush is tapered and I feel like it's a medium size: a little big bigger than the Benefit Gimme Brow but a little bit smaller than the Anastasia Brow Gel.  It lasts all day on me. AVAILABILITY: at maccosmetics.com for $17.
4.) e.l.f. Wet Gloss Lash and Brow Clear Mascara
I've tried several clear mascaras and I've tried high end clear brow gels, but the clear mascara from elf is my favorite and it's also the least expensive.  The formula is not too wet and there isn't a ton of product on the brush. It's double ended and one side has a tapered brush while the other side has a flat brush, but I use both sides. I don't feel like there's any difference in application. It applies evenly (not at all goopy).  It keeps my brow hairs in place all day.  I feel like it's a great bargain since it's only two dollars and works just as well as the higher end brow gels.  The only down side is that there isn't a lot of product so I do go through it fairly quickly, but for how inexpensive it is, its not really an issue. AVAILABILITY: at elfcosmetics.com for $2
5.) Smashbox Brow Tech Gloss Stick in Taupe
This is a twist up pencil product.  The product is much softer and creamier than the Anastasia Brow Wiz.  The tip is also much bigger than the Anastasia pencil.  The pencil has a gloss finish (as the name would imply) which is unlike most brow pencils which have a matte finish.  However, I really love the gloss finish.  I feel like it looks very natural since my brow hair has a natural shine to it.  I know that a lot of people prefer a matte finish brow pencil, so if you're one of those people, you'll hate this product.  The color is a little bit dark, so I only use this product when I have makeup on.  It can apply a bit patchy but I use the spoolie on the other end to brush the product through my brows to distribute it evenly.  I don't feel like it ever completely dries down and it seems to remain a bit tacky but I don't have any issues with it fading, smudging, of flaking.  It also does a good job with keeping my brow hairs in place.  AVAILABILITY: at sephora.com for $21

REVIEW: NYX Wickd Lippies

This is a review of the NYX Wicked Lippies.  I have 10 out of the 12 shades in this line.  From left to right: Scandalous (teal), Risqué (dark green), Envy (royal blue), Immortal (bluish purple), Power (mauve pink). Trickery (olive), Stone Cold (silvery white), Cold Hearted (dark charcoal), Sinful (navy blue), and Wrath (copper).  The only shades that I don't have are Mischievous (gold) and Betrayal (deep purple).
These lipsticks all have a metallic finish (some shades are a little bit more metallic than others) and aside from Stone Cold, they are all very pigmented.  Stone Col in on the sheer side and not really buildable, but its a nice shade for layering on top of other lipsticks.  All of the shades that I have are smooth and have a creamy texture.  They last about as long as other creamy textured lipsticks on me, which is about 3 hour.  They wear off smoothly and not at all patchy.  If I get the 2 shades that I'm missing, I will add them to this post.

AVAILABLILITY:
You can get these at ulta.com for $5.99 and at nyxcosmetics.com for $6.