Wednesday, August 27, 2008

My Scent Arsenal Part 2



Last week I posted about my favorite daytime perfume, Burberry Brit. But today I’m going to finish up and tell you the one that completes my scent set. The other perfume I wear is Giorgio Armani’s Sensi. I think it is the ULTIMATE in evening fragrances.



Product: 5 out of 5

Packaging: 5 out of 5

Quality: 5 out of 5

Price: $ 75 for 3.4 oz. / $55 for 1.7 oz. at Ulta

The Claim: “A sensitive, serene blend of clean elegant notes, Sensi opens with a burst of Kaffir Lime softened with Acacia Farnese. Sensuous barley, Cape jasmine, palissander wood, benzoin and vanilla accents create subtle nuances of sensuality. Mood: Sophisticated, floral and soft.” – www.giorgioarmanibeauty.com


The Good: It must be the mix of lime and vanilla that does it for me in fragrances because I LOVE this scent. I think it’s sensual and feminine without being dainty and girly. Its deep and husky and sexy. Both men and women wonder what it is I’m wearing and I don’t blame them lol. I think it smells THAT good. The simple and clean clear bottle shows off the amber liquid and the Sensi Logo is printed inside the glass.


The Bad: None


Overall: A definite keeper. Perfect for nights out and the fall and winter seasons. Again, I will say, this may not work for you as everyone’s body chemistries are different, but atleast take the time to find out! =} I think its pretty long lasting; we always think our scent fades, but we really just get used to the smell being on us so we don’t notice it anymore. But for an even longer lasting application, you can also purchase the body lotion and apply it before you spray your perfume.


Monday, August 25, 2008

My Online Portfolio



Many of you have already noticed that I like to make changes to the layout of this blog and most recently I’ve added a link to my new online portfolio to the right sidebar. There you can see my most professional work of photo shoots and events. I’m in the process of sorting and going through all the pictures I have and choosing what to use. It’ll be a little more extensive than my hard copy portfolio, since there is only so much you can show in a book lol. You can always find my portfolio through the direct link http://www.flickr.com/photos/justkissnmakeup/ or through the link to the right. Bookmark it, cause there are TONS more pictures to come! Remember, you can always comment or leave notes on the photographs in the online portfolio and I welcome and appreciate them!


My latest addition to my online portfolio is up and coming model, Dana. With classic girl next door looks mixed with a little bit of edge, this girl is going to blow up. I did two looks on her, a neutral subtle look and a more vibrant one. I really like to do at least two looks per shoot so you can see the versatility of the model.


Wednesday, August 20, 2008

My Scent Arsenal - Burberry Brit



Are you guys OCD about some of your possessions? I know I am, and I'm not quite sure if anyone else does this. I can't have too much of some things because I feel I'm being "unfair" to the others. I can't have multiple necklaces that I really like and then not wear them. Yes yes, I'm a weirdo. My mother bought me a diamond heart necklace for my graduation in 2005 and I wore it almost three years straight everyday. Then this spring, I got a Tiffany Tag necklace and now that has become my everyday necklace. I have earrings that are for certain styles and looks (huge gold doorknockers, silver hoops, flashy nighttime gear), but the only ones I wear are a set of pearls and a set of diamond studs. They're classic and just my style and I go back and forth between the two pairs at different times of the year. The only thing this doesn't apply to is makeup, and even then I try not to have more than one of the same things. My perfume is no different. I have a couple of different fragrances, but I only really wear two. An everyday, daytime scent. And my special occasion, seductive, evening scent. Today I'm going to review my everyday favorite, Burberry Brit.



Product: 5 out of 5

Packaging: 5 out of 5

Quality: 5 out of 5

Price: 3.3 oz. - $85/ 1.7 oz. - $65 at Burberryusaonline.com, but is usually significantly cheaper at a department store, Sephora, or another online retailer.




The Claim: “Top notes are Italian lime, icy pear and crisp green almond. A green oriental fragrance that features a surprising mix of sugar and spice. Heart notes: sugared almond and white peony. Dry down notes: amber, mahoganywood, tonka beans and vanilla.” - Burberryusaonline.com



The Good: I'm in love with it! Though how can you be surprised when I wear it everyday? lol. While I've heard it described as fresh and floral, it is nothing of the sort and I'm glad. I'm not a "floral" perfume girl at all; I'm not a girlie girl either I'd say so I really don’t like the dainty rose scents. I personally don't like the smell of many flowers and having my perfume smell like a bouquet is not for me at all. But you really don't think "girly flowers" when you smell this. I think, “classy and sophisticated beauty”. I love the crisp scents of the lime, pear, and almond. I'd never think that the three of them would smell great together, but they do. Citrus and Sugar. It also gives off a scent of vanilla without it being too sweet. A woodsy vanilla and amber. Oh its just so good.



The Bad: I have nothing bad to say about it.



Overall: One of the best perfumes I've ever had. It’s perfect for everyday and I'd be surprised if you didn't get complimented on it. But you really have to try this perfume in person and let it marinate on you to gauge it adequately. Due to different body chemistries, perfumes and fragrances smell differently on different people. But I'd recommend that you definitely give it a chance. And the bottle is so cute. I'm not even a brand snob, I just like high quality things. But you can't deny how cute the Burberry plaid is on the bottle. =} If you're looking for this scent even lighter, try Burberry Brit, Eau de Toilette. I've owned it also and its just as good. I prefer the Eau de Parfum though, because it lasts longer on me and is stronger. I know that at different times during the year they have special sets for the Burberry Brit Collection. Twice I've got it in a set with a lotion and shower gel, so keep an eye out if you're looking for a set.

Monday, August 18, 2008

Go Me!



I just want to thank DAO! She gave me this lovely Kreative Blogger award and I'm so grateful! Thanks for thinking of me Dao!

In keep with the rules, here are the next 5 people I'm nominating.


1. xxppinkx
2. Inverted Reflection
3. Calming Corners
4. Raw Dawg Buffalo
5. Bombchell

Congrats Girls and Guy!

No makeup talk today! I usually post about 3 times a week, every other day. A lil more if I've got something on my mind, so keep an eye out.

But there is no makeup talk today because........I just moved into my new and first apartment and I'm exhausted! It was a hectic weekend. Packed, moved, and unpacked. And by that I mean I hired people to pack, move and unpack me lol. I'm just not down with the unpacking and stuff. I'd get SO overwhelmed. They were so great! The movers where quick about loading and unloading and the unpackers were so efficient and organized, plus very friendly. I'd definitely use them again...but no time soon. Moving is worrysome!

Friday, August 15, 2008

Mod Sunset

September is looking to be such a busy month for me! Not only am I turning 21 on the 14th (finally!!!), my makeup calendar is quickly filling. I've got a wedding and about 4 photo shoots. No free weekends for me! So bittersweet lol. A client called to book her wedding yesterday and she paid that day...in full! So rare, that's what I call great clientele.

But the biggest thing going on in September is that I am going to become a certified airbrush artist. Excited? I am; this is going to be a huge stepping stone. Airbrush makeup artistry is THE #1 preferred makeup in the industry right now and I don't see it going away anytime soon. Some of its benefits include:

No sponges or powder puffs to get messy
It’s lightweight, natural and gives a flawless look
It’s the makeup of choice in high definition television (HDTV)
Its hygienic, long-lasting, rub and water resistant, yet simple to remove
More efficient and faster to apply than traditional makeup


It’s so versatile and I can't wait to master it. I found out about the class during the last BMAG meeting I went to. There we all met Synthe, one of the best and most experienced makeup artists in the industry. She was so adamant about getting us to learn and she told us how it’s really important to build our skill. We're only as good as we make ourselves. She talked about a class she's doing on the 28th of September. I was really excited because airbrush makeup is something I've been wanted to do for a while; I just never had the opportunity to learn. It’s pretty extensive and we will not only learn the art of airbrush makeup but also get our gun, some sample makeup, and learn a few other things as well. I've taken a lot of time talking with various people about it and I've decided I'm going to take the class. It’s expensive, but so beneficial to know as a makeup artist and it isn't very often you get to work under such a noteworthy artist as Synthe. Check out her website for more information on various classes. Soon I'll be a licensed airbrush makeup artist, ladies! :) Is there any particular skill any of you wish to learn? Let me know in your comments!

Also, for this happy Friday, I leave you with a FOTD. One of my favorite models, Sharly went to a concert the other day and she wanted something a little edgy, not so perfect, and bright. Here's what I came up with. I call it Mod Sunset lol. Have a great weekend!

Eyes:

UDPP
M.A.C. Bright Fuchsia Pigment
M.A.C. Primary Yellow Pigment
Beauty from the Earth Lemon
Bare Minerals Black Leather Liner Shadow
M.A.C. Fluidline in Blacktrack
(She brought her own lashes; I think they're M.A.C #1)





Wednesday, August 13, 2008

M.A.C’s Cult of Cherry Unveiling! (Picture Heavy)





Morning everyone! I told you guys that I would tell you all about the unveiling and I do not disappoint! It was so amazing and fun. I must go back again for the next one in the spring. I brought myself, my sister Caitlyn, and my friend Tori. We got there around 6 and it started at 7 so we walked around for about 20 minutes, but I wanted to hurry back so we could be first in line. And we were! Quickly the line started growing and I was so glad we were first lol.


A little after 7, they finally opened the doors! Tamika, the manager of the Gwinnett Place Mall M.A.C counter in Macy’s started taking names off the list. She looked at me and said, “Jaimie? Yep you’re on here” and Caitlyn and Tori started cracking up laughing at the fact she knew me on a first name basis. I’m in that M.A.C store way too much lol. She gave us our little checklists, so that we could check off the products we wanted as we saw them.


We got inside and were greeted by this cute little pastry chef with a table full of goodies. I actually saw him whisking some frosting while waiting in line. The table had a huge bowl full of cherries, dark chocolate brownie, cherry sauce, small pastries and bite sized crackers with goat cheese and cherries (surprisingly good!).



The first thing I did was snap a photo of the display and ask Brandon, the makeup artist, to give me the lips the model was wearing, which was the Bing Mattene. It was so bold on me, but he loved it. He also put Russian Red Lipstick and topped it with Cult of Cherry Lipglass on Caitlyn and CrĆØme Cerise Lipstick and a layer of Liquer Lipglass on Tori. We looked so hot!



We also saw the cover model for the Cult of Cherry promotional images!



They also had a drink station hosted by Godiva Chocolate Liquer. I had the best chocolate martini! Too bad I forgot to take picture! :( The place was so packed!!



I finally stood in line to get my things. It took forever. The MUA’s had to take your checklist and then go get it from the back and brought it out to the counter. A lady behind me jokingly asked if I was buying out the store. Lol I did get a lot, but thank goodness I brought in my empty pots for Back 2 Mac, it helped a bit. They also had complimentary “Cult of Cherry” Aprons, but the checkout girl was tryna hide them. Tori had to ask her what those were and she ended up giving me two.


I also so saw Synthe, Ren, and Katrina at the unveiling. I’m sure we all got some great stuff. I gave away so many of my business cards that night. They’ve been going so quickly; I’ll have to get more printed soon.


And now, the haul!!!



All in all, I ended up getting:


Eyeshadow Quads:

Tempting

Shadowy Lady


Lipsticks:

O

So Scarlet


Lipglass:

Jampacked

Liquer


Blush:

Plum de Bois

Blooming


Mattenes:

Chock-ful

Bing


2 Eyeshadow Palettes

1 Blush Palette

2 “Cult of Cherry” Aprons!!!


The Overrich Collection Pigments is also out and I got:

Antique Green - Turquoise green with gold pearl

Blonde's Gold - Light tan with gold and white pearl

Vintage Gold - Tarnished green with green pearl

Mauvement - Cool taupe with gold pearl





Lip Colors:


Blushes:


Pigments:



The eyeshadows I will swatch and show off when I do the eyeshadow looks. I’ll be attempting to duplicate the Cult of Cherry Promotional image. Keep an eye out!

Monday, August 11, 2008

And The Winner Is....

The winners are

Lydia at lydialovesjazz@hotmail.com

and

Mrs. Lynne at makeupfix.net!!!!



Congratulations Ladies, and thanks to everyone who entered! Don’t worry if you didn’t win this time. There will be more contests to come so keep an eye out!


Just to keep you guys updated:


I’m sending my laptop in to be updated so bear with me these next couple of days. Soon it’ll be back and better than ever and then I can get to posting wonderful things for you all. I’ve got sooo many up and comings for you all, sometimes I just don’t know where to begin and what to do first!


I’m finally going to get this Motives review out to you all ( I know, I know, I’m taking forever. There are just so many products to tell you about!)


M.A.C hauls and reviews


Sephora hauls and reviews


Beauty from the Earth hauls and reviews


FOTDs


Pictures from recent Photoshoots


Don’t you worry, you’ll all see it pretty soon, so stick around! I’m glad you guys enjoy my blog, and I appreciate all your comments so keep them comin’. Thanks for following Just Kiss ‘N Makeup!

Where Classic Beauty Meets Everyday Glam!





Friday, August 8, 2008

Today is the Last Day to Enter to Win!

Remember ladies, today is the last day to enter the Just Kiss 'N Makeup contest. The first place winner will get a brand new New View MSF in Medium/Natural and Shimmer along with a full sized Frost Pigment. The second place winner will receive a Touchpoint Lipglass 3D Glass along with Blot Film. Just subscribe and in the entry box state your name, method of subscription, and the email address you subscribed with. Winners will be announced on Monday. Have a good weekend!!



Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Come Together..Right Now...Over Me!


Yes, it is a Beatles post title, cause this girl right here is a HUGE Beatles addict. I'm not sure how else to describe it. She is a junkie for their tunes. Talented girl too. Her name is Alanna, and she is a friend of my sister. She came over the other day so I decided to slap some makeup on her. (You're always in danger of being bombarded with makeup when coming to my house lol) She usually has a very girl-next-door type look, so I wanted to glam her up a bit.


Face:

M.A.C NC30 Concealor
MSF in Medium Plus
Mineralized Blush in Warm Soul

Eyes:

UDPP
M.A.C pigment in Kitchmas
M.A.C. pigment in Deep Purple
M.A.C eyeshadow in Vanilla
Avon Luxury Black Eye Pencil
CoverGirl Last Blast

Lips:

M.A.C lipglass in Cult Fave
Victoria's Secret in Cupquake





Before: