Makeup Blog Sale Starting Nov. 8, 2013

Hi there, and thanks for checking out my Blog Sale!
I am abfabjeanius on Makeupalley.  As you can see, I have over 400 positive swap tokens.
I probably have 3 lifetime's worth of makeup, so I am selling some of the items that I don't use often.

Please read before contacting me:

• All prices in USD.  I am located in the US (New York), and will ship to the US via First Class mail with Delivery Confirmation.  International (including Canada) - I will review on a case-by-case basis.
• ALL SALES ARE FINAL.  Additionally, I cannot be responsible for packages lost, misdirected, or damaged.  I will pack everything in safe, clean and sturdy packaging, but unfortunately cannot be liable for anything that happens to it after I mail it.
• Items are as pictured and described.  If you have further questions, please contact me.  Additionally, I will wipe off all packaging, but will not sanitize the product before sending.
• I take payment through Paypal.  If you agree to purchase an item, and I do not receive payment within 24 hours, I will have to release the item to the next buyer.
• I am happy to invoice via Paypal, however, because they do charge a fee, I will ask that you please include that as part of your payment price.
• For Shipping/Handling, I charge $6 for the first item, and $1 for each subsequent item. 
• If you are interested in an item, please contact me at makejeanup@gmail.com

Now, onto the items!

First, we have Bobbi Brown Bellini Lip and Eye Palette - $45.
The eyeshadows have each been used lightly 1X and are:

1. Navajo
2. Candlelight Gold (metallic)
3. Petal (shimmer wash)
4. Cement
5. Prosecco (metallic)
6. Truffle
7. Bellini (shimmer wash)
8. Bronze Stone (shimmer wash)
9. Brown Sugar (metallic)
10. Caviar

The lip glosses have never been used.  The colors are:

1. Bubble Bath
2. Chrome Pink (shimmer)
3. Bellini (glitter)
4. Bare (glitter)

I will also include the box on this one.

Second, we have Bobbi Brown Sand Tortoiseshell Eye Palette - $35.

The eyeshadows have been used about 3X each, and the colors are:

1. Ivory
2. Hot Stone
3. Terracotta
4. Desert Sand (metallic)
5. Antique Rose 
6. Black Chocolate
7. Sandy Rose (Metallic)
8. Gold Bar (sparkle)

Third, we have Bobbi Brown Bare to Bold Eye Palette - $24.
Each color has been used 4-5X, and the colors are:

1. Navajo
2. Cement
3. Champagne Quartz (metallic)
4. Quarry (shimmer wash)
5. Evergreen (sparkle)
6. Caviar

Fourth, we have Bobbi Brown Dress for Success Eye Palette - $24.

Each color has been used 4-5X, and the colors are:

1. Bone
2. Beige Linen (shimmer wash)
3. Taupe
4. Navy
5. Espresso

Fifth, we have Bobbi Brown Ultra Nude Eye Palette - $24.

Each color has been used 3-4X, and the colors are:

1. Chino
2. Praline (shimmer wash)
3. Pink Chandelier (metallic)
4. Stone
5. Champagne Truffle (shimmer wash)
6. Cocoa Berry (shimmer wash)

Sixth, we have Dior DiorSkin Poudre Shimmer Shimmer Powder in #002 - Amber Diamond - $27.

This has been used 3-4X.

Seventh, we have Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint in Pearl - $19.

This has been used 5X.  Expiration date of 8/2014.

Eighth, we have Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream in Light - $17.

This has been used 5-6X.  

Ninth, we have Estee Lauder Double Wear liquid foundation in 1N1 Ecru - $15.

About 85% remaining.

Tenth, we have Chanel Perfection Lumiere Longwear Flawless Fluid makeup in 10 Beige. - $24.

About 80% remaining.

Eleventh, we have Burberry Sheer Foundation in Trench No. 05 - $12.

About 55% remaining.  Good for someone who wants to try it.

Twelfth and Thirteenth, we have Bobbi Brown Creamy Lip Color in #52 Washed Seashell (left) and #4 Nectar (right).  $10 each or $17 for both.

90% or more remaining on both.  The first pic shows the colors, the second pic shows usage (the bullets are twisted all the way down.)

Thanks for looking!!

Blog Sale #2 - Armani Beauty and MAC - Starting Weds, Oct. 15

Hi there!  Thanks for checking out my latest Blog Sale!

If you are not familiar with me, I am abfabjeanius on Makeupalley!  As you can see, I have over 400+ positive tokens.  In the past, I have always swapped, but lately, I've been bogged down with far too many things to use, so I'm hoping to find good homes for them!

Let's get started…

First, the logistics:

1.  If you are interested in an item, please contact me at makejeanup@gmail.com
2.  Once we agree to a sale, I would like to receive payment via PayPal within 24 hours.
3.  On PayPal, I prefer not to have to invoice, as that costs and extra percentage/fee, but we can certainly discuss.
4.  I charge $6 for shipping for the first item.  Each additional item is $1.  (This is for shipping in the US.  Canada and International are on a case-by-case basis.)
5.  I ship via USPS First Class, and will include Delivery Confirmation.  If you require Insurance or any additional services, shipping costs will be extra.
6.  I can usually ship the next day after receiving payment.  (Obviously, barring national holidays and/or Sundays, etc.)
7.  ALL SALES ARE FINAL!  Unfortunately, I cannot accommodate returns or exchanges.  If you need additional pictures or details before we agree to a sale, I can help you out, but after we agree to a sale, and the item is shipped, that's it.
8.  In addition to that, I will package all items carefully, but cannot be responsible for anything lost or damaged by the post office.

Now, for this round of items..
I am crazy for taupes, so I spent quite some time hoarding MAC taupes.  Here are some items from my "vault":

From Left to Right:
MAC Smoke & Diamonds - 90% remaining - no dip - $10
MAC Moth Brown (from Barbie Loves MAC collection) -90% remaining - no dip - $10
MAC Go - 95% remaining - no dip - $10 (will include box)
MAC Warming Trend - 95% remaning - no dip - $10 (will include box)
MAC Hypnotizing - 95% remaining - no dip - $10 (will include box)

Giorgio Armani Beauty Eyes to Kill silk eyeshadow:

These are lightweight, multi-dimensional, long-wearing pressed shadows.  Really beautiful colors, but I don't reach for them much.
From Left to Right:
Armani Eyes to Kill #8 - used 3X - $23 (will include box)
Armani Eyes to Kill #5 - used 3X - $23 (will include box)
Armani Eyes to Kill #2 - used 3X - $23 (will include box)

Giorgio Armani Beauty Maestro fusion foundation:

One of the best foundations on the market.  The color I have is #4, which would be a good match for a MAC NC20-25.  About 80-85% remaining, as you can see in the picture.  The expiration date is 11/15.  Offering this for $38.

On a sidebar, I also have a GA Maestro Eraser Concealer in #3 (not pictured), if you are interested.  I would say there is about 70% remaining, and I could offer it for $20.

Giorgio Armani Sheer Blush in #2:

I don't know why, but my photo makes it look so washed out!  In real life, it is a nice pinky-peach.  This blush is a staple of many makeup gurus and artists alike for the natural flush that it gives.

My Sheer Blush #2 has approximately 70% remaining, and I am offering it for $20.  I will also include the box.

Thanks for looking, and have a beautiful day!

First Makeup Blog Sale - Starting Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Hello, hello! It has been ages since I've posted anything on my makeup blog.
As many of you know, balancing being a mother for the first time as well as a demanding job, has not left me much time to make makeup videos or blog posts. That being said, I am going to start selling off a lot of the items that I don't currently use. I hope I will be able to find good homes for them. I will be listing new products weekly until everything is sold!
I am no novice to swapping, and can be found on Makeupalley as abfabjeanius.
As you can see, I have over 400 positive swap tokens.
Shipping:
- US Shipping prices listed (international to be determined on a case-by-case basis)

- I will charge $6 for the first item, and $1 for each additional item.
- This includes delivery confirmation, and standard packaging (ie. bubble wrap, padded envelope, etc.) Insurance, if you request it, will be extra.
Payment:
- I accept payment via Paypal (will provide you my information once we have finalized a sale.)
- I can provide an invoice via email if necessary. (It will not be done through Paypal, but will be generated by me.)
- Prices as listed.
- Usages as showm.
Other Fine Print:
- I do have one cat. She doesn't get into my makeup, but if you are extremely sensitive or allergic to cats, please note that my items will be coming from a home with a cat!
- Unfortunately, I cannot accommodate returns. ALL SALES FINAL! No returns or exchanges.
- I am not responsible if the post office damages/breaks/loses your package. I will make my best effort to package everything carefully to prevent damage, but cannot guarantee what happens to it afterwards.
- I can provide more detailed descriptions as well as closer/bigger photos upon request.
- Items are first come, first serve. If I do not receive payment within 24 hours after we finalize a sale, I will put it back up for sale.
Now For the Fun Stuff:
- Please contact me at: makejeanup@gmail.com to get started!

Dior 3-Couleurs Smoky Eyeshadow Trio Smoky Khaki #481 (left) - $32 - will include velvet pouch and box // Smoky Pink #051 (right) - $32 - will include velvet pouch and box

Dior 5-Couleur Eyeshadow Quint Grege #734 (left) - $45 - will include velvet pouch and box // Dolce and Gabbana Fabulous Eyeshadow Quad (right) - $44 - will include velvet pouch and box

Chanel Ombres Perlees Eyeshadow Palette (left) - $45 - will include velvet pouch and box // Chanel Stupendous Quad (right) - $42 - will include velvet pouch and box

Chanel Tweed Sienna #50 Tweed Blush (left) - $30 - will include velvet pouch and box // BeneFit Hervana box blush (right) - $20

Urban Decay Naked Foundation in 2.0 (left) - $25 // NARS Sheer Matte Foundation in Deauville (center) - $25 // NARS Sheer Glow Foundation in Fiji (right) - $25



Thanks for checking out my sale!!!

My Top 5 Mascaras (2013 Edition)

Whenever I think of mascaras, I think of the Maybelline catchphrase, "Maybe she's born with it, maybe it's Maybelline."  Because when it comes to eyelashes, I definitely wasn't born with any - haha!

I have typical Asian lashes… thin, short, sparse, and relatively straight.  Unfortunately, a mascara can only do so much, but here are my Top 5, in descending order.

My most favorite mascara is Chantecaille Faux Cils.  

Though expensive for something that gets tossed every 3-4 months, I would recommend Faux Cils to everyone because:  (1) It gives glossy, black lashes that are volumized and lengthened just enough to give an impact, but also still look very classy and elegant; (2) It seems to care for the lashes in the sense that when it's removed at night, the lashes feel very soft and conditioned; (3) While on the lashes, the lashes don't feel crunchy or stiff; (4) It holds a curl, even though it is not waterproof; (5) There is no smudging or flaking; (6) It has a delightful rose scent, as it contains rosewater.  Faux Cils also comes in a Longest Lashes version, which contains peptides that help lengthen the lashes over time, but I've not yet tried that one, as the price is prohibitive, and I wasn't 100% sure it was safe during pregnancy/nursing.

My second favorite mascara is Dior's DiorShow.  

This was the first mascara to feature a huge brush, and it continues to be one of the best.  I've tried all the different iterations of DiorShow, but prefer the original.  I still remember when I first moved to New York 10 years ago, and I was in midtown between interviews and decided to stop by Lord & Taylor to browse.  DiorShow had just come out, and had its own display.  I decided to try it, and I was sold.  At the time, I was wearing Maybelline's Great Lash (which did absolutely nothing for my lashes), and the DiorShow actually made me look like I had lashes.  I love it because:  (1) The large brush makes it easy to build volume quickly; (2) It holds the curl and gives a nice curve to the lashes; (3) It gives a fair amount of length; (3) There is no clumping.  My only slight complaint is that after a month or two, it does start to dry out and flake (and I am not one to pump the mascara wand before applying), which is irritating because it is expensive.

My third favorite mascara is Paul & Joe Mascara Duo N.  

I love this mascara because it is dual-ended, with a lengthening side that has little fibers, and a volumizing side that has a little comb.  You can use each end separately, or together to get maximum impact.  I actually used this mascara for my wedding.  I love it because:  (1) The versatility of the duo brush; (2) The little fibers really lengthen, and don't flake into my eyes; (3) The comb side has a short-bristle comb and long-bristle, so you can really cover all of your eyelashes.  Like the DiorShow, my only sight complaint is that after a couple of months, it does start drying out and flaking, which is sort of a pain.

My fourth favorite mascara is Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Excess.  

I admit, I was first intrigued by this because of the ad with Megan Fox.  Um, hello, who doesn't want beautiful eyes like hers?  (Obviously, no makeup is going to make someone look like another person, but it is a lovely ad…)  So, I digress.  Eyes to Kill Excess is one of my favorites because:  (1) The container and brush are awesome… the top of the tube/handle of the brush is weighted, so it really helps to hold on to it, and it makes application a heck of a lot easier.  The brush is a fluffy teddy bear brush with long bristles and an hour-glass shape, so it really builds up every lash; (2) The color is a deep, rich black that has a glossy-ish finish; (3) It give an insane amount of volume and length (I like to save this one for some of my more smoky-eyed looks).  I didn't rate it higher because I actually don't like the scent of this mascara… it has a weird rose/crayon scent to it that a lot of the L'Oreal brands (such as Lancome and Maybelline) have, and it sort of grosses me out.  If you're not sensitive to scents, this would be fine.  

And, finally, to round out my Top 5, I have Chanel Inimitable Intense.  

This was one of the original "rubber-bristle" brush type mascaras, and soon after, all of the other brands started copying.  I like Inimitable Intense because it sort of does it all:  (1) Gives great volume while separating the lashes; (2) Gives a good amount of length; (3) Holds the curl; (4) Doesn't flake into the eyes and is long-lasting; (5) Is easy to use, and the brush is firm enough, but not too hard that it pokes you in the eye.  Compared to the original Inimitable, the Intense version is more volumizing and glossier, so for a small-lash girl like me, that is a huge plus.  Chanel has since released another mascara, Le Volume, which does not compare to Inimitable Intense, in my opinion.  My only complaint is that it does dry out my lashes (unlike my beloved Chantecaille), so that is why I did not rate it higher.

You're probably wondering why none of my Top 5 are from the drugstore.  While I used to be someone who thought that drugstore and department store mascaras were interchangeable, as I started trying out a lot more and more, I decided that for my purposes, they weren't.  Drugstore mascaras, whether due to the formula or packaging, always miss that certain "je ne sais quoi" that my department store favorites have.  I find for someone whose eyelashes need a lot of help, the drugstore ones did not give the results I was seeking, nor did they have the ingredients to offer my lashes the nourishment they needed.

This is not to say there are not some good ones I've found along the way.  I would say my top 3 drugstore picks are:  L'Oreal Double Extend Beauty Tubes which gives a fair amount of length and is easy to remove; Cover Girl Lash Blast Volume, which gives great volume and a decent amount of length, but dries out my lashes, and the wand doesn't have a slim tip to apply to the inner corners/lower lashes; Maybelline Full 'n Soft, which gives a natural, soft-lash look that's great for every day.

What are some of your favorite mascaras?

My Top 3 Foundations (2013 Edition)

It's crazy to think that 2012 is already over, and the first day of 2013 is upon us!  I decided that this year, I'm not going to make any crazy resolutions and accept the fact that the last five pounds are just going to stick with me because I can't subsist on a diet of raw kale and plain oatmeal.  Ha!

Rather, my "resolution" will be being wiser about my makeup purchases.  To that end, I've put myself on a "no-buy" until March 1st, since I really don't need anything at the moment. As a true makeup junkie, I've discovered that I am way too capricious with my makeup purchases… whether it is a small "hit" at the local CVS, or a huge haul at Saks, I buy way too many things that I end up not liking or using.

I decided to reflect back upon my favorite makeup items of all time, and thought I would put together a listing -- a Makejeanup directory, persay -- of the best of the best.  I am presenting it by category.  If I did just one post, you might be reading it until July 4th. 

This first post will be on foundation/base makeup.  People who have never seen me without makeup always comment that I have really nice skin, but they are fooled by the smoke and mirrors of my product arsenal.  I've tried probably 100 foundations in my lifetime, and although I do have some low-end ones that are good in a pinch (L'Oreal True Match, for example), I believe in investing a decent amount of money in foundation.  After all, if your skin doesn't look good, it's hard to use it as a canvas for the more fun color products like eyeshadow and lipgloss.

The texture of my skin is decent; however, I have really bad undereye circles, and my skin tends to scar and discolor easily, so every little pimple I've ever picked at has left some sort of mark on my face.  Also, I wasn't super diligent with the sunblock in my earlier years, so I have a few dark spots on my face that I have to hide.  Additionally, my nose is overrun with blackheads, and my T-zone produces more oil than the OPEC countries.  Now that you know what I'm working with, here goes…

My most favorite foundation of all time is Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk.  

I use this foundation in the color #5, which is neutral beige color, but it comes in a multitude of natural shade selections to match every skintone.  I have been using it off and on since 2003, and it was the foundation that I used for my wedding in 2004, as well as my first family Christmas card photo in 2012.  Basically, anytime there is a photo op, Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk is what I choose, the reason being the seamless, realistic coverage it gives.  It feels watery going on, but it just melts into the skin and makes it look perfect.  It truly looks good in every light, and there is no sunscreen, so you don't have to worry about the pesky reflect-back from a flash camera.  My only real complaint about it is that I tend to get oily with it, so I have to use a silicone-based primer underneath (Armani's Master Fluid Primer is perfect with it), and set with a powder (my preferred is Chanel pressed powder.)  Also noteworthy, it comes in a sanitary pump bottle, and it just looks so sleek and pretty.  I apply this usually with my fingertips, but it works extremely well with the Armani foundation brush, too.  I would say Luminous Silk Foundation works for all ages and skintypes except extremely oily, and if you're extremely dry, it would be wise to use a moisturizer underneath.  

Coming in at a very closed second is Chantecaille Future Skin.  

I use this in the color Alabaster, which is a hair too pale for me, so I sometimes use Ivory or Chamomile instead.  Future Skin comes in a pot, and I usually scoop out what I'm going to use with a makeup brush so that I don't contaminate the container, and either apply with the brush (a synthetic bristle brush is best for this so that you don't absorb too much foundation), or pat on with fingertips.  Future Skin is higher coverage than Armani Luminous Silk; it can really be built to full coverage if you apply several layers, so I use this when my skin needs more help.  The finish is very natural, like real skin, and even if the color match is not 100%, you won't look strange.  There is also no oxidizing, even if I do get oily breakthroughs on my nose.  Future Skin also does not contain sunscreen, so it is suitable for flash photography.  The best feature of this foundation is that it is almost like skincare for the face.  Chantecaille alleges the "charged water" and "seaweed" that it contains helps to improve the skin over time.  I can't attest to the true fact of that, but I do know that when I remove it at night, my skin feels very soft.  (On a side note, I also use Chantecaille's skincare, but that is another post…)  Future Skin works well for everyone except for the extremely oily, and I think it is especially good for more mature skin, because it doesn't set into lines.

Third, but by no means last, is Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Moisture Foundation.  Long used by Hollywood makeup artists on films, this is a high-definition foundation that is long-lasting and lightweight.

I matched myself to the color #113, which is for light golden complexions, and it seems to be a good match.  Unfortunately, Koh Gen Do is not sold in many brick and mortar stores… Barneys New York, and Sephora in Times Square are two that I know of.  For me, this is a great everyday foundation, a real workhorse, because of two reasons:  It is long-lasting and doesn't break down in patches despite my oil; It is lightweight and looks good in all lighting.  For the price, the little tube doesn't contain a lot of foundation, but I use two pea-size dots for the entire face, and I am good to go.  The finish is slightly dewy, like real skin, and I find I don't have to set with a powder (although using a translucent loose powder over top helps make it bulletproof.)  This gives medium coverage, and would be great for just about all skintypes, I think.  Again, there is no sunscreen, so it should photograph beautifully, although I have not experienced it.

Well, those are my Top 3 Foundations… I encourage you to give them a try if you have not yet found your holy grail foundation.  

Happy New Year!!

Four Makeup Looks with Beauty Addicts Eyeshadow Palette

Beauty Addicts kindly sent me some of their lovely products to try. I initially heard about them through the Skins 6|2 Boutique in Las Vegas' Cosmopolitan Hotel and was immediately intrigued by the packaging and the color stories. All of the colors are divided into 4 collections: Glow, Express, Motivate, and Seduce, which I thought was a neat concept.

My favorite product that I tried was the lipglosses. They feature a small, firm brush applicator, and the formula is beautifully shiny and pigmented. They are shiny without looking over-the-top, and are long-lasting and don't bleed outside of the lip line, which is very important to me. (It is definitely not cute to have lipgloss dripping off of your lip, making you look like you're drooling!)

I wanted to do a video to show the versatility of Beauty Addicts' products, so my tutorial brings you from a casual day with the girls to a polished and professional work look to after-work cocktails to date-night with your significant other.

Twilight: Breaking Dawn Bella Swan Wedding Makeup Look

I'm not a Twilight fan, but when I stumbled across this picture on the BellaSugar website, I just had to recreate Kristen Stewart's makeup look for the upcoming movie. She just looks really pretty… nice skin and brows, subtle smokey eyes, and lightly flushed lips. I just had to give this look a go!

Here is my video for this look:

Let me know what you think!