Glitter & Glam - a book by Melanie Mills: pics, review!

Hello, Beautiful!

If you're a beauty lover, or know one, and want to gift yourself or a beauty-lover something fun and helpful this holiday season then I have a great suggestion for you... Glitter & Glam book by makeup artist Melanie Mills. Melanie Mills has the Gleam by Melanie Mills beauty line. I've reviewed her Lip Radiance glosses here, as well as her Body Radiance here.  Aside from great beauty products, her book Glitter & Glam is packed with instruction, inspiration, and beauty goodness. This book is very helpful - it even includes 50 easy step-by-step tutorials for everything from the very wearable everyday looks to specialty and fantasy looks. Check out my full review, including all the product info, after the pics!

Glitter & Glam
by Melanie Mills

 

Glitter & Glam book by Melanie Mills Info & Review:

Cost/Availability: $22.00. Available on the the Gleam by Melanie Mills website, on Amazon, and everywhere else this book is sold.

My Rating: 5 out of 5 Kisses!

In this colorful beauty book, Melanie Mills shares her glamorous makeup secrets.

Maximize the glam, access your inner diva, grab the glitter and get excited about makeup! With stunning photos, featuring stars like Jennette McCurdy, Ariana Grande, Brandy, and Willa Ford, and easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions, Melanie Mills shows you the makeup techniques for creating fun, trendsetting looks inspired by rock'n'roll vixens and fairy tale characters. Melanie Mills, who has helped create famous looks for celebrities like Kelly Osbourne, is on a mission to help everyone sparkle. With skin and beauty tips for both everyday and special occasions, Glitter & Glam is a celebration of all things fabulous, as well as a gorgeous collection of Melanie's makeup artisty and creative styling.

From skincare basics to professional makeup tricks, Glitter & Glam will unlock your inner diva and open up a world of glamour. Glitter & Glam shows everyone how to use makeup to be a fearless trendsetter. Learn the secrets of celebrity models such as Ariana Grande and Audrina Patridge to maximixe your glam! Whether you're looking for ways to amplify your natural look or fathering inspiration and beauty secrets that only celebrity makeup artists know, Glitter & Glam will inspire you to experiment with fantasy. Unafraid of bold colors and dramatic styling, Melanie Mills will show you how to use makeup to showcase your most beautiful self.

All copies (at least the ones sold on the Gleam by Melanie Mills website) are personally signed by Melanie Mills herself! Also, if you order from the Gleam by Melanie Mills website Melanie Mills will personalize a message in the book for you! You just need to send your order confirmation email to gleamorders@gmail.com with a note of what you'd like Melanie to write. I'm not sure how long either offer will go for, so if that's a special touch you'd be interested in then I'd get it before it's gone.

As a beauty blogger, I of course am obsessed with all things beauty related. I love collecting makeup related books because they are pretty to look at, and usually very informative. What I love most about the Glitter & Glam book is how many tutorials are in the book. If you're someone who knows basics - and it does go over some basics - then you don't need yet another beauty book telling you how to do all the simple stuff. You want something fun, inspiring, and creative. This book has it all. It's one of the most well laid-out beauty books I've seen in awhile.

There are 149 glorious pages to this beautiful beauty book. The size of the book is nice too -- it's about the size of a magazine. The cover has a beautiful photo but also has this holographic glitter overlay that you can see as the light hits it -- I LOVE that effect! This is a soft cover book, which I don't mind because I stack my books one on top of the other, but if you stand your books up in a book case you may be the type that prefers a hard cover. But the cover material really isn't what's important here. It's what's inside!

Here is a break down of how the book is laid out and what's inside:

Of course it starts with the usual start of a book stuff -- table of contents, etc. In the front is also where Melanie signed my book. Then there is the introduction.

After the introduction comes The Basics. She starts with skincare, then onto the face makeup (foundation, setting, etc.), and highlight/contouring. Then a few pages on eyes, a little on lips, and then onto body (topics like body makeup, self tanners and tattoos). Then there is a glorious section on glitter - which is my favorite topic, seeing as how I'm a glitter-aholic.

After the basics - which is a small part of the book (pages 2 to 19), and I appreciate that it's a smaller part of the book - Glitter & Glam goes right into The Looks.

I want to note that these looks are gorgeous laid out. There is a color photo of the finished look, which immediately draws your attention because the photography is really nicely done. Then each tutorial lists a Took Kit - letting you know what you'll need to re-create this look, as well as step-by-step on how to make it happen. When she lists the step-by-step looks one thing I appreciated is the fact she doesn't list specific brands and/or shade names. Instead she just tells you the color you need in what product you'll be using - which allows you to more easily use what you already have. What I mean is, say she say "use MAC's Snob lipgloss" - if you don't know what shade Snob is, you wouldn't know exactly what to use to duplicate the look (without doing more research on what that shade looks like). Instead she'll just say something like "use a burnt rose cream blush", so you know to look for a burnt rose blush in your collection (be it cream or powder). That's just something I thought she was really smart about because I find it allows people to be more creative with what they already have, rather than feeling like they need to go out and get those exact products.

Anyhow, back on track to The Looks. I'll list each look name below so you can see just how many tutorials and variations there are. Some of The Looks are in the photos above, but obviously you should purchase the book to see them all rather than me photographing each look. However, below will be the cover look's tutorial - pic, tool kit and step-by-step instructions - to show an example of how it's set up.

The Looks starts with the Color Wheel, with 10 different tutorials:

• White
• Pink
• Red
• Orange
• Yellow
• Green
• Purple
• Blue
• Brown
• Black

Then The Looks go into Icons, Fantasy & Pin-Up, with 12 different tutorials:

• The Queen
• Liz Taylor
• Up, Up & Away!
• Water Dancing
• Moulin Rouge
• Audrina On The Rocks
• Ice Huntress
• A Mad, Mad Hatter
• Snow White
• The Wolf Within
• The Siren
• Ariana Of OZ

Then The Looks go into Glam, with 11 different tutorials:

• The Golden Goddess
• The Video Vixen
• The Rock Star
• Like A Virgin
• Cotton Candy Disco
• Sizzling & Sexy
• Football Diva
• Pool Goddess
• Roller Girl
• Dirty Dancer
• Vouge

Then The Looks go into Faces Of The World, with 16 different tutorials:

• The Lioness
• Femme Fatale
• Copper & Smoke
• The Fifth Element
• Cover Girl  (shown in the photo example below)
• Tokyo Nights
• Warrior Princess
• Tribal
• Bollywood
• Tequila Sunrise
• Pop Glam
• Tranquil Beauty
• Arabian Nights
• Irish Rose
• Motorcycle Mama
• Showstopper

Example of a tutorial, using Cover Girl from the Faces Of The World section.

You can click on them to view them larger and read it.

At the very end of the book there are some acknowledgements, credits, and a little bio about Melanie Mills herself.

On the Gleam by Melanie Mills website it says there are 50 tutorials, but based on my list above, there are only 49. However, my book did have a pin-up look on pages 60 & 61, but it was just a photo - no tutorial included. Maybe that was some how accidentally not printed in my copy? I would assume that is the missing look and they even mention pin-up looks as one of them, but no tutorial on mine (there was even an empty white space on the side where the Took Kit could have been listed, possibly). But still 49 amazing looks - from your date night to specialty and even looks you could do at Halloween.

I really enjoy this book everytime I pick it up and open it. I'll have to do some re-creations of the looks and post them either on my blog or on my Instagram (follow me on Instagram if you don't already; I post lots more swatches, before & after FOTD's, mini reviews, my subscription boxes/bags - like Ipsy - my kid, my tattoos and more. Instagram name is valentinekissesbeauty).

Now let me know what you think...

What do you think of this product? Have you tried this or is this on your beauty wish list? Discuss in the comments below.

Becca The One Perfecting Brush - pics, review

Hello, Beautiful!

Becca has just come out with a new brush, and it's pretty large in size and may have you wondering how in the world do I use this thing? Well let me tell you, this brush is great! Can replace these 10 tools: foundation, powder, contour, bronzer, stipple, blush, fan, and concealer brushes, kabuki, and sponge -- speeding up your makeup application. I started by using this for applying my contour - and it does an amazing job at that - but then I played around with using it for my foundation and powder too. Check out my full review below, including all the product info, after the pics!

Becca The One Perfecting Brush

Becca The One Perfecting Brush Info & Review:

Cost/Availability: $49.00. Available on the Becca website, at Sephora, and everywhere else Becca cosmetics are sold.

My Rating: 5 out of 5 Kisses!

A bouquet of brushes in One Perfecting Brush! A true beauty multi-tasker, The One Perfecting Brush takes the guesswork out of brush work. Cuts makeup application in half by replacing these 10 tools: foundation, powder, contour, bronzer, stipple, blush, fan, and concealer brushes, kabuki, and sponge.

From start to finish, primer to powder, The One Perfecting Brush can be used with liquids, creams, powders and anything in between. Non-porous, high-quality goat hair allows product to sit on top of bristles rather than absorbing, ensuring a seamless application with no wasted product.

Target specific areas with your favorite highlighter for an air brushed effect. Contour with powders, creams or liquids for sculpted perfection. Build and layer foundations and setting powders for smooth, natural coverage. Offers versatility and precision for a perfected look in seconds. The Becca website has a great list of how to use this brush.

Products can be applied without having to clean between uses - allowing you to go from liquids to powders with ease. Works well for layering liquid or powders over foundation application. Pairs well with all Becca foundation formulas, Shimmering Skin Perfectors (liquid or pressed), and Beach Tint.

I'll start by commenting on the size and shape of this brush - it's unlike anything I have in my brush collection and it's pretty large, yet easy to hold and easy to use. It's bristles are soft too.

I originally started using this brush to apply my contour and bronzer, which I think is a great first-place to go with this if you're a little unsure about how to use it. It applies my contour to my cheeks like a dream - almost too perfect, if there is such a thing! I would dip the one end of the brush in my contour shade and apply to my cheek bones and blend down. The rest of the brush (without the product on it) would pull it and blend it so beautifully. I put a pic of me using this to apply my contour on my Instagram page.

Then I decided it was time to try it out with foundation - which seemed like the one use for this I was most nervous about. However, I was amazed at how well it applied my liquid foundation. Blended it nicely and you could stipple it on too if you needed to do so. Then I applied my powder foundation and same thing - easy to use and it was FAST.

One thing I want to point out is this brush made applying my foundation and powder foundation super fast - it's a claim I thought was completely true. They also say you don't have to clean this brush in between products, and while that scared me, I did it anyway and I had no issues. I would still spot clean between uses (day to day) if you plan to use several products with this same brush, but overall it worked flawlessly.

I know this brush isn't cheap, but it's a brush that can work for multiple uses in your makeup routine - really making it several brushes in one. It's great quality and really did speed up my makeup routine. I am going crazy over this brush - it's been so much fun to use and it's unique in shape and size. I know some people were asking if it was similar to the NARS Ita Brush - which I don't own but have seen in person and read up about. They are both made from goat hair and they look similar, but the Becca brush is much larger and much more full in bristles. I'd say the NARS Ita Brush is mostly good for contour and maybe blending, but the Becca The One Perfecting Brush is good for many uses. If you're trying to decide between the two I'd recommend the Becca The One Perfecting Brush. I can honestly say I haven't been this impressed with a makeup brush in I don't know how long!

I'm in love with the Becca The One Perfecting Brush and would definitely recommend!!

Now let me know what you think...

What do you think of this multi-tasker brush? Have you tried this or is this on your beauty wish list? Discuss in the comments below.

Beauty Blender Pro - pics, review

Hello, Beautiful!

Beauty Blender has come out with a new version, their Beauty Blender Pro. Same great sponge, just a different color. I love my Beauty Blender sponges and don't think I could do my beauty routine without them. Sure, sometimes I like to use a brush to apply my foundation but the Beauty Blender will always give me a flawless look and seamless blending! Check out my full review below, including all the product info, after the pics!

Beauty Blender Pro

Beauty Blender Info & Review:

Cost/Availability: $19.95 (1 fl oz full size). Available on the Beauty Blender website, at Sephora (sold in a 2-pack only at this time), on Beauty.com, and everywhere else Beauty Blender is sold.

My Rating: 5 out of 5 Kisses!

The Beauty Blender Pro is just like the original; same material just a different color. A true omage to professional makeup artists around the world.

Beauty Blender's patent-pending elliptical shape makes application fool-proof by allowing you to access hard-to-reach areas with stunning ease. Its suede texture is sensual to the touch and its unique curves fit the contours of your face, leaving makeup dazzling and undetectable. Latex-free, non-allergenic and odor free.

I love my Beauty Blenders! I started with the original pink version, but that was stolen from me years ago when I had a photography studio and I was helping some models do their makeup. I then got the Beauty Blender Pure - which is also the same sponge, just no color (and that was originally marketed towards applying skincare - but I just used it for makeup). And now there is the black version, which is a nice chic color and still the same great Beauty Blender!

I always dampen my Beauty Blender before using it to apply my liquid foundations and concealers. It flawlessly blends in my makeup every single time. I do what I call the "Beauty Blender Bounce" to get my makeup on and although doing it that way takes a bit more time, the results are flawless. I still use their Solid Cleanser to clean my Beauty Blenders, but I'm almost out of that so I will be re-purchasing soon.

There are tons of imitators of this sponge, and I've tried a few of them, and none of them can come close to this. You may wonder how a sponge shaped nearly identical couldn't give you the same results, but once you try a Beauty Blender and then a knock-off you will realize the difference is worlds apart. The Beauty Blender is soft and applies makeup without hurting your face. Just about every single knock-off I've tried has been a much harder, firmer sponge that doesn't have the same texture, quality or application results. Skip buying the knock-offs and invest in the real deal. Buy in a two-pack to save some money because you'll want more than one (at least I think you will).

Love the Beauty Blender and will continue to recommend it!

Now let me know what you think...

What do you think of the new black version of the Beauty Blender? Do you own a Beauty Blender or do you want to? Discuss in the comments below.

May Lindstrom Skin - The Problem Solver Correcting Masque - pics, swatches, review - plus the brush & clay bowl

Hello, Beautiful!

I am so excited to share this product with you today because it is one of the few face masks that really work and deliver results instantly. From a new-to-me skincare line, May Lindstrom Skin, her correcting masque - called The Problem Solver - is an instant winner in my book! This face mask beings its life as a powder and transforms into a mousse - but you can adjust the consistency based on what you want. In this post I'll also share with you her Treatment Duo, which are two tools to make your skincare routine turn into an at-home spa experience. Check out my full review below, including all the product info, after the pics.

May Lindstrom Skin
The Problem Solver - Correcting Masque

May Lindstrom Skin The Problem Solver Correcting Masque Info & Review:

Cost/Availability: $90.00 (8.45 oz/250 ml full size). Available on the May Lindstrom Skin website.

My Rating: 5 out of 5 Kisses!!!!

A jet-black fusion of antioxidant-rich raw cacao, healing bamboo charcoal, soil nutrients, salts, and exotic warming spices go deep on a mission to reveal your most radiant self.

This intense treatment masque effectively purifies and tightens pores, extinguishes inflammations, fights and heals blemishes, jump-starts circulation in the epidermis, and detoxifies skin with delightful ease and power.

The radically different powder-to-mousse formula activates on contact with water - only releasing its magic at the exact moment of use so you experience full potency every time.

This mask can be summed in in three words: Hero, Over-achiever, Superstar.

Seriously... this is amazing. It was an instant winner to me right after I washed it off my face. Yes, I know the $90 price tag may not be in everyone's budget, but trust me, if you can work this in your budget you won't regret your purchase. This is one of those masks that does what it says - and you can actually see and feel a difference in your skin. After I washed this off my skin was brighter, had a glow, my pores looked smaller, I felt like it drew out the impurities, and it felt healthier as well.

As for how to get the mask going, you'll just scoop out a tablespoon of product and mix it with equal parts water. Once it fluffs up to a mousse, apply to your face. When you open the jar, or dump the powder into a bowl, there may be some powder-cloud that comes out so don't open it too close to your face. I found it made me sneeze a bit, but that's okay.

When you apply the mask to your face you may feel some heat -- I didn't feel much heat, maybe a little - but you will feel a tingle. It's nothing super crazy, but it does get intense as the mask goes to work. You will need to leave this mask on for a good amount of time - about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how thick you applied it. You'll just want to make sure it's fully dry and when it is dry, the mask will dry down to a green color (it starts off as a black-brown color).

Once it's dry, just rinse it off. I take a wet paper towel and wipe it off - and it comes off easily (which is always nice). Then you'll look at your face and be like "wow" because you will notice a difference!

I absolutely LOVED this mask and will purchase another one once this one is gone. I would recommend this to anyone - but especially those with problematic skin or anyone who just needs a pick-me up.


Here is some additional information from May herself...

It will feel hot as it goes to work tackling your every skin dilemma, but is actually quite safe and effective, even for sensitive skin. Think of it like what happens when you go to a sauna or work out really hard -- your blood circulation is increased, sending oxygen racing into your cells, which encourages major healing and gives you that "glow" everyone is striving for.

She formulated this mask for results, but she also strives to create an experience. She loves feeling her skin respond in the moment of the treatment. Warming spices are very powerful; not only do they provide an invigorating heat and tingle as they increase your circulation, but these plants have serious beauty benefits....

Cayenne pepper stimulates the blood flow to the skin, which enables oxygen and necessary nutrients to reach the cells. It reduces inflammation and swelling and delivers antioxidant carotenes, flavonoids and vitamins A and E. Nutmeg and clove are both anti-fungal and anti-bacterial, stopping acne in its tracks. Nutmeg is also a natural skin brightener, softening age spots and discolorations. Clove as a stimulating effect on the mind, which eliminates mental exhaustion and fatigue. Cinnamon facilitates the synthesis of collagen in the skin, the breakdown of which is partially responsible for the skin's appearance as we mature in years.

The Problem Solver gets it's signature black hue from activated bamboo carbon charcoal. In many parts of Asia this sexy sounding ingredient has been used for centuries for its ability to deeply and gently cleanse your pores, absorbing minerals, toxins, impurities, and other harmful substances from your skin. It is known as the "black diamond" of healer and addresses everything from acne to eczema with grace and ease. Once brought to life with water, the bamboo charcoal releases many beneficial minerals, such as calcium, potassium and magnesium. This creates a soothing and powerful true spa experience that goes beyond the effects you will notice on the surface.

The Problem Solver is a powder to mousse formula. Water-free formulas are wonderful. By leaving out any fillers or water, May is able to skip questionable preservatives entirely -- delivering serious results in the most body and earth conscious way. An added bonus is that the product becomes adjustable - you can customize the density and texture of every treatment depending on the state of your skin or mood. The Problem Solver will bubble and fizz and puff up to a soft mousse texture upon hydration, adding major fun factor along with the highest potency possible!

If you are looking for immediate results, this is the mask for you. From night one, you will notice a difference in the overall texture of your skin, a relief of dullness and congestion and added glow. Over time, issues like inflammation, acne, irritation and discoloration will be addressed.


To use: Activate a tablespoon of powder formula with equal parts water in a bowl, blending to form a soft mousse. Massage over skin and relax. Treatment time is 45 minutes - or until fully dry. Expect a slightly hot and tingling sensation. Once dry, rinse and follow up with the May Lindstrom Skin The Youth Dew.

May Lindstrom Skin
The Treatment Duo: Tools for your Ritual

May Lindstrom Skin The Treatment Duo: Tools for your Ritual Info & Review:

Cost/Availability: $30 for the brush; $32 for the bowl. Available on the May Lindstrom Skin website.

My Rating: 4 out of 5 Kisses

This duo of tools make applying the May Lindstrom Skin The Problem Solver Correcting Masque simple, easy, and gives the entire experience a more spa-like feel. It adds that extra-special pampering touch.

The brush is a must-have tool for creating your perfect facial experience. It feels good in your hand and is sturdy as well as beautiful. Crafted with vegan-friendly Taklon fibers, recyclable aluminum ferrule and a natural wood handle. Even though this brush is made for applying a face mask, you can use it for other skin care products too -- or even switch it up and apply your foundation with it!

The limited quantity handmade clay bowl is the perfect vessel for bringing your skin treatments to life. This is truly a piece of art, brought to us by local clay magician Melissa Brown. Each bowl is unique, with beautiful texturing in the natural clay and a subtle dandelion in antiqued 24K gold fired into its center.

Sure, you don't need these two tools to use the masque - or any other of the May Lindstrom Skin products -but if you're in need of some serious at-home spa pampering, then these two tools will take you there. You can use them with other skincare products you currently own - and because they're of such good quality, they'll last you a long time, if not a lifetime.

Now let me know what you think...

What do you think of this face masque? What about the tools? Have you heard of this brand or tried anything from the line? Do you plan to add any of these items to your wish list? Discuss in the comments below.