While my signature look leans more on bold vampy lips and simple eye makeup, I like to break up this predictability from time to time. Today I went rather audacious with hot pink smokey eyes and ombre lips using black|Up Cosmetics, the first upscale makeup brand catering to women of color. Founded in 1999, the company has cult following in Europe, particularly France where it ranked #1 in the ethnic category. Makeup to me is all-encompassing and borderless. While foundation is naturally selective based on skin color and needs, the rest is up to one’s creativity. With that said, I am glad to have discovered black|Up because some of the products I have tried are at par with mainstream designer brands I own to-date. I promise to do separate reviews but for now, let me show you how I went from drab to fab *drum roll ladies and gents*
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| sneak peak of fabulosity |
Here are the specific makeups I used for this blog-torial:
Rouge 38 is a stunning purple pink matte lipstick which is obviously my favorite. Rouge 09 is terra-cotta with satin finish. Both are creamy and undeniably pigmented in one pass.
Another favorite from the set which I am still road-testing, Ombre 5 Couleurs is a captivating palette featuring perfectly-coordinated and trendy eyeshadows. PAL02 has 2 mattes (dark brown and flesh), 2 sheen (copper brown and hot pink), and one glittery (gold). Offhand, I like the blendability of both mattes and copper brown. Gold has some fallouts but is quickly remedied when applied wet. Hot pink packs a punch especially when applied wet on the lids.
Next up is Palette de Correcteurs, a cream concealer palette in varying shades. I used the darkest to add warmth and dimension to my face, the lightest to hide dark under eyes.
Another hit in the pigmentation department, Blush 09 is orange terra-cotta with matte and slightly iridescent finish. It’s out of my comfort zone, a totally unique shade I am willing to rock more than ever.
A CC Cream with light to medium coverage, CC Cream Multi-Action is free from parabens, oils and fragrance. I like to apply it using damp beauty sponge. The shade I received is a tad darker (CC 01) but still workable nonetheless. It did oxidize but not to oompa loompa level, thank goodness!
Curious how I created this look? here’s how…
1. I always start with a clean canvass (wash face and moisturize).
2. I mist my face for better foundation or CC cream application.
3. Concealer is my ally when it comes to hiding dark circles and minor imperfections (some redness and acne marks).
4. I rarely contour but today, this zilla is feelin’ it.
5. I used beauty sponge to blend out harsh contour lines.
6. I set the concealer by lightly pressing finely-milled powder foundation.
7. I buffed powder foundation on areas where I get icky-greasy.
Still with me? let’s tackle the eyes, lips and cheeks…
1. As always, I rely on eye primer for more color impact and longevity.
2. I start by defining my “missing crease” by placing and blending matte brown eyeshadow above the hollows of my eyes.
3. For transitional color, I like to combine matte brown with sheen copper.
4. For that unexpected pop of color, I lightly pressed hot pink eyeshadow on the outer and inner corner of my eyelid.
5. For added drama, I used glittery gold (applied wet) on the center of my lid.
6. Under the brow, I applied flesh eyeshadow.
7. I also smudged dark brown and sheen copper along my lower lash line.
8. I applied black kohl eyeliner on my waterline, then used liquid liner for cat eyes.
9. As per usual, I curled my lashes and applied two coats of mascara.
10. For my cheeks, I thought orange terra-cota is the way to wow.
11. Ombre lips are easy. I swiped Rouge 09 predominantly on my mouth then applied Rouge 38 on the center. No rules, really!
For a limited time, black|up is offering 20% discount with code LOVE15. Valid from 2/12 to 2/28/15.
This is a collaborative post with the fabulous ladies behind The Beauty Council, check out their respective makeups and spread some love!
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Girl!!! You look fierce!! I am so buying that eyeshadow palette!!
thanks Jessica! I like that palette
I love that eyeshadow palette, it can be used for so many gorgeous looks! Also, totally obsessed with your ombre lips, I gotta try that some time 🙂
I agree. I like how this (and other) shadows are mixed with vibrant colors
I am utterly in LOVE with this look. Like you make me want to jump out of my comfort zone and jump into color. I lovveeeee the pink eyeshadow on you. Simply flawless!!!
Thanks much Jamie. This is totally out of my comfort zone but all in the name of makeup…go go go go…xo
Wow, your eye look is absolutely gorgeous! I never would have thought to combine those shades but they really work. I'm a neutral gal, but I definitely will try out that combo or something similar. Just beautiful, as always
The hot pink is totally my fave from this palette. Very bold indeed. Thanks much!!!
I LOVE this look! From the eyeshadow to the lipstick it is hot! I love the colors and combination.
Thanks so much! Reading it straight from the Queen of Bold makeup made me smile from ear to ear
I couldn't have predicted that pink would look so good in a smoky eye! Love the ombré lip, too! Fierce, Fabzilla!
Thanks so much. Zilla got inventive for this look.xox
you are so beautiful! I love love love this look!
Thank you so much. Tried to push the envelope
GORGEOUS!! I'm in love with this look on you!
Absolutely LOVE this look!!
I love how you played up the eyes, it's stunning 😀
I love this look. The pop of color is killing it!
I loooooove the look you created. fab!
Is there a color you CAN'T wear! I swear I get so jealous looking at your blog! You look incredible!
I LOVE the colors you are using in this look. AMAZING on you!
I LOVE the colors you are using in this look. AMAZING on you!
Your eye makeup is to die for!! I so need to try this look!
WOWZA, Kath! Your FOTD is just stunning! I love your regular simple eye and bold lip look, but this is such a gorgeous artistic look! LOVE IT!
Knocked out of the ball park girl! Stunning tutorial.
obsessed with this look!
You look gorgeous. I really like the way you used the hot pink shade without making your eyes look tired. And that lippie was made for you.
So stunning! I love the pop of purple just under the inner corner of your eye as well!
I've never heard of the brand, but that palette and purple lipstick are totally calling my name. Love how you've used the shadows!
LOVE this! The colors you used are goooorg.