02.26.2014
Make Up For Ever HD Blush

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Blush has never really been my thing, I can’t lie.  It’s not that I don’t like the idea of having some color on my cheeks, but basically because I have rosacea (e.g. rosy cheeks without blush), I’ve always just honestly been scared of the idea of adding a splash of pink to my already-red face…it’s a thing.  I was recently introduced to a new blush, an HD (high definition) Blush, if you will, and I gotta say…color me impressed.  At first I was intrigued by the idea that the blush is HD because, at least in my mind, anything HD is cool and hi-tech, but then I started getting tons and tons of compliments after the makeup artist put some on me which instantly had me SOLD.  So what’s the deal?  MAKE UP FOR EVER HD BLUSH is a cream blush (which can also be intimidating) and its formulated with a balance of oils, waxes, and powders that makes the blush really glide on your face easily.  What’s also cool is that it can be worn over or under makeup, meaning if you’re not wearing any foundation (lucky you), you can still wear the blush without looking like a clown.

And speaking of clowns, here’s the best and most universal way to apply blush:

  • Choose a full, rounded blush brush (like Make Up For Ever 158 Double Ended Sculpting Blush, featured in the photo above, which you can also use for contouring)
  • Apply the cream blush onto the apples of the cheeks in a figure “8” motion
  • Sweep from the top of the apple downwards, then up and back towards the top of the ear
  • Set the blush (especially if you feel like it’s REALLY bright) with a pressed powder (like Make Up For Ever HD Pressed Powder), which reduces shine, slightly mattifies the skin, and softens the appearance of fine lines and pores. By the way, this pressed powder is best applied with a Kabuki Brush.

And, if all that seems like way too much work for you (hey, I get it), you can always just apply cream blush with your fingertips…just don’t go nuts.

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Make Up For Ever HD Blush 210 | Make Up For Ever HD Blush 410

 

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Gea isn’t amused by cream blush

02.04.2014
How to wear purple lipstick

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The Lorde does it.

lorde purple lips

The queen B does it.

beyonce purple lips

Now I’m not trying to jump to any conclusions, but I’m pretty sure that if I do it, I too will be inducted into the royal family.  Just saying.

Last week, I decided that my adult identity will be that of one with great bone structure (thanks to the magic of contouring and highlighting).  While I haven’t quite figured out what else defines “grown-up Hannah,” I know that she is uber trendy (Uggs with a mini skirt is still a thing, right?).

That is why when I learned that the Pantone color of the year is “Radiant Orchid,” I knew this was a trend that I just could not pass up trying.  While I’m normally a Chapstick kind of girl, I have to say that this purple lipstick is pretty fabulous.

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Make Up Forever Rouge Artist Intense in Pearly Violet

The name does not lie—this color is INTENSE.  Go big or go home, right?  The color was vibrant and violet after just one stroke.  Plus it made my lips feel amaaazing and didn’t smear.  I put this on right before heading out and it lasted all throughout dinner and a glass or two of wine 😉

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Unfortunately, I don’t think this lipstick fulfills my dream of looking more like Ms. Bey, but I am fairly positive that my chances of being adopted by Jay and the Queen just went up a little.  Get at me you two.

Have a beauty trend you’d like to see me try?  Tweet me @han_cran, #beautynewbie, with your suggestion!

Hannah Cranston, Assistant Editor