Breakdown in the Beauty Aisle!

Mel Biv Devoe

I came to a realization this past weekend. I was at the drugstore, browsing the beauty section and looking for a new product to test out. I strolled through the aisles, stopping every now and then to look at all the different brands and their ever-increasing selection of foundations, powders, lipsticks, etc., etc., when it hit me: I have absolutely no idea what I'm doing.

It struck me as an epiphany, but anyone who knows me would be surprised that I've only just figured it out.  I've never known what I'm doing when it comes to makeup.  I have literally been using the same type of powder and mascara since I was 13.  That's 16 years now! So while I've always been clueless, it was trying to compare foundations that finally broke me.

Just Bitten - In the Ass: Revlon Lip Stain

Metric Jenn

Whilst wandering aboot (ahem...sorry AB-AH-OUT) Shopper's Drug Mart, I stumbled upon the Revlon display. I had my eyes peeled for new lip-colours, stains, sticks, and glosses because I was running dangerously low on lip-stuffs at only 26 products. The Just Bitten campaign caught my eyes, and I was completely intrigued by the idea of a marker used on my lips.

Seriously you guys, in the store I examined the product intently...it is a bloody MARKER for your lips. And on the other end it's a clear, 1 inch of balm stick. There were 10 colours to choose from, and I merrily selected "Mystical". How absolutely, all-encompassingly intriguing! 

e.l.f. The Beauty Encyclopedia of Smoky Eyes: Buy Me A Drink?

Pinky McLadybits

I think any regular readers that we might have already know that I am woefully untalented when it comes to makeup application. You saw the whore-colored lipstick. Read about my fiasco with Benefit Brow Zings. You discovered that I'm unable to apply Sally Hansen nail strips properly. In short, I'm fancy in the brain.

Lucky for me and those that have to look at me for any period of time, e.l.f. makes Beauty Encyclopedias. I, of course, got this particular Beauty Encyclopedia from Target and I got it on clearance. I'm predictable that way. I chose the Smoky Edition because that is a look I've attempted and never mastered. I hoped that the palette and directions would help me out.

Benefit Brow Zings: I'm No Expert

Pinky McLadybits

Brow Zings would be one of the treasures I left my first Benefit Brow Bar with a few weeks ago. Paige, the Brow Bar Guru, used the zings kit to shape and fill in my sparse brows. I was amazed at how easy she was able to use this small kit to create gorgeous brows where there had only been sparse sadness.

It was like turning a crack den into a school for underprivileged children where they would get to learn and ride on unicorns while earning money to help their families and earning college credit, y'all. IT WAS MAGICAL. Unfortunately, my being able to recreate the fantastic brows with the kit is an entirely different story.

No Moaning In The Shower: Herbal Essences "Hello, Hydration!" Shampoo

Figgy

If you've ever taken a look at my bio, you'll know that I hate my hair. Unlike some lucky people in my family, I didn't inherit my mother's thick, lustrous black hair. Instead I was saddled with my dad's thin, floppy, blah head of hair. I've never been able to do a damned thing to it. Ponytails slip off, barrettes never stay on, any styling disappears after two hours (the stylist for my wedding used what I swear was a whole can of hairspray and it was still gone after a few hours) and it'll get greasy if I so much as touch it too many times in a day. I also have to wash it every single morning or it'll look absolutely disgusting. It's a nightmare.

I have tried every shampoo out there. From the cheap Tresmmes to the really fancy crap, and none of them have worked in the long term. They'll either dry it and make it even floppier and lifeless, or just coat it in yet another layer of grease.

Ask Ink: Fighting the Fly-aways

"Just wanted to know if you know about a good product to control static in hair. I have curly hair, but recently been straightening it and I guess this weather from the NE has been messing with it."

Date Night: Products For Getting Some

Pinky and the Ladies of Hot Ink

Via Clockwork Hare

I'm not totally sure what a date night is, but I think it is when you get dressed up and go somewhere with a significant other. Maybe dinner, drinks, a movie or a play? I don't know. I think I had a date night last year...I think.

Anyway, most people get these date nights and we want to make sure that you look your absolute best. This way you can get some if you want it or look so good that you can ditch a crappy date for someone better. WIN-WIN! 

Now, these will all be makeup and makeup tips. We'll give you another list with grooming tips, like brows, legs, AHEM areas, and such, another time. For now, enjoy these Hot Ink approved cosmetics!

Stay! Good Boy: Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion

Figgy

I think I might have mentioned before that I'm kind of a complete noob when it comes to makeup. For years and years I refused to wear any, up until the point where I realized that, hot damn, do I look good with some black eyeliner and mascara on. And then I was hooked. I still wear very little makeup, but I do so every day for work, and I'm discovering new things every day. It's fun.

One of the things I discovered is eyeshadow creasing. This is when the shadows you put on your lids seem to fade and pool around on the crease of your eyes. It's nasty and kinda makes you look like a drag queen. We've all been there.

Enter Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion. At one point I was skeptical, specially of having to put yet another layer of goop on my face. But this thing works, and it works like a damned miracle.

Neutrogena's 3-in-1 Concealer for Eyes: 2 Out of 3 Ain't Bad, But 1 Out of 3 Is

MelBivDevoe

I have a hell of a time finding concealer for the dark circles under my eyes. No matter how much sleep I get, the puffy skin under my eyes makes me look like I haven’t slept in weeks, so I’m constantly trying to find something to smooth out and brighten the area.

Unfortunately, due to my incredible lack of makeup skills combined with my inability to find the perfect shade of concealer, this means that I’ve spent most of my days looking like a reverse raccoon, with half-moons of too-light makeup smeared under my eyes.

Ask Ink: Oil Cleansing With SeaKat

SeaKat

"I've been hearing a lot about the "oil cleansing method" from some crunchy granola types. I've got some fierce adult acne, and nothing else seems to work on my skin, so I'm considering going the natural route. Do any of you have any experience with this method? Is it BS? Does it work?"

SeaKat here! I’ve been using the oil cleansing method for almost a year now, and I absolutely love it. I have sensitive (and in the winter VERY dry) 40-year old skin. Most regular cleansers make me feel “tight” or “pulled” afterwards. Which SOUNDS like it might be appealing to a 40 year old, but it’s not like it gets rid of fine lines! It actually makes them look worse. And sometimes fragrances are a no-go for me. AND it kills me in the heart and the pocketbook to spend $15 or $20 bucks (or more!) for cleanser. That’s money that can be better spent on wine, friend.

Tarte Up Your Lips: Tarte LipSurgence Lip Tint

Cindy

I've never been that girl, the one who's addicted to lip glosses, sticks or even balm. Truth be told, I wear make-up pretty rarely...but this just might be the product that changes all that.

Tarte LipSurgence Natural Lip Tint is so pretty and soft and lovely, without being sticky or goopy and the colors are grand. You can buy these pencil/gloss hybrids individually at a pricey $29.00 a pop, but I bought a value set that included five colors for the same exact price! Now that's a deal I can justify--never having tried the product before and not knowing what color I liked--this kit allowed me to get a huge bang for my buck. And seriously, this deal is everywhere (Sephora, Tarte, QVC), so why would anyone buy just one?

Ask Ink: A Brighter Smile...Part Deux

"Do y'all have any products you'd recommend for easy teeth whitening? I can't afford a professional treatment but would desperately love to have whiter teeth by my wedding!"

Vee answered this question here. Now Kolby takes it on!