Look - Orange, Pink, and Purple for Hello Kitty Event
It’s been awhile since I’ve posted a look, yeah? The reason behind that is I’ve really been trying to get my skin back into shape ever since it went wacko after using Smashbox Photofinish Primer. From around July or August of ’08, I had amazing, clear skin for the first time in my life. Around December, I used the primer, and then my skin went in reverse–tiny flesh-colored pimples on my cheeks accompanied by larger, painful (and more noticeable, unfortunately) ones, as well.
I saw a dermatologist at the end of January, who pretty much told me to stop doing the blog or my skin would never get better. (Among other reasons, I will not go back to see her.) She did give me two prescription products to use, but they rang up to be $400, so I said, “Let me exhaust some other alternatives!” LOL.
I’ve been using Mario Badescu products for the past three weeks now, and I can tell you that my face is on track to normal (review of amazing MB products forthcoming). I have some post-acne marks that are fading, and then just two or three (on my *entire* face) that I have to deal with. Part of the skin regimen was to avoid makeup at all costs, just because I wanted to give my skin time to breathe, heal, and recover. It will also help me assess whether anything I’m using regularly is a culprit. I expect to start doing more full looks soon, but clearer/manageable skin is priority numero uno for now. I know you all understand 🙂
For the Hello Kitty event on the 3rd, I did sport full makeup for the first time in at least two weeks, so this look is what I wore to the event! BTW, does anyone else feel really awkward and rusty after not doing any eyeshadow in *weeks*? Because I felt like a two year old with a paint brush in my hands, LOL!
You will need the following…
- Eyes: Fuchsia pigment (hot pink base), Firespot eyeshadow (orange), Passionate eyeshadow (hot pink), Stars ‘n Rockets eyeshadow (fuchsia-purple), Contrast eyeshadow (dark purple), Hush eyeshadow (neutral beige-pink highlighter), Urban Decay Ransom 24/7 Liner (dark purple), Plushlash mascara (black)
- Cheeks: Petalpoint blush (pink-raspberry)
- Lips: Lavender Whip lipstick (lavender-lilac), Crystal Rose lipglass (light fuchsia-purple)
- Brushes: 266 (firm, angled brush), 226 (fluffy crease brush), 214 (smudge brush), 249 (flat, firm brush), 239 (fluffy shadow brush), 129 (dense blush brush)
- Substitutes: Firespot = Melon; Petalpoint = Dollymix; Lavender Whip = no dupe; Crystal Rose = Cultured
Directions: Define brows using a coordinating powder shadow applied with the 266 brush. Apply Fuchsia pigment all over the lid as the base with the 249. On the inner lid, apply Firespot eyeshadow using the 239. Apply Passionate eyeshadow to the middle of the lid. Darken the outer lid using Contrast eyeshadow and drag into crease using the 239. Overlay Contrast with Stars ‘n Rockets eyeshadow using the 239. Sweep Hush underneath the brow bone to highlight. Finish with Firespot eyeshadow on lower lash line, Urban Decay Ransom Liner on lower water line, and Plushlash mascara on lashes. Sweep apples of cheeks with Petalpoint blush using the 129. Apply Lavender Whip lipstick to lips, and then top with Crystal Rose lipglass for color and shine.
Check out more photos!
Gorgeous look! You have the best lips for everything! I have never seen a color on you that doesnt look amazing! You really are beautiful!!
Aw, thanks Samantha!
You look so gorgeous and what I love is that everything ties wonderfully together and that lip color OMG!!
Thanks, Ayat! I’m addicted to color on the lower lash line, LOL.
Great look! Lavendar Whip looks fantastic on you… wonder what it will look on me… I hate any silicone based products. It clogs my skin sooooo badly. Even the famous GA LSF clogs my skin so terribly just after one use… it gives me good results, but ends up with very bad skin
Thanks, Karen!
I’ve never had any product really break me out to the extent this one did. I could never have pinpointed to ONE product that did it until Smashbox. 🙁
I love the eyes! Will definitely try to recreate this asap! 🙂
Thank you, Anitacska!
Very pretty! One of the best looks so far 🙂
Oh, wow! Thank you so much 🙂
wow i love your makeup! i wish i can do it like that!
Thanks, Bona! Psh, you so could!
Aww Christine this is so pretty! Lavender Whip, really??? So great on you!
Yes, really Lavender Whip! I tell ya, add pink to it and it’s so wearable.
your skin looks fab..i see nothing wrong with it!
LOL, luckily in photos you can’t see all the details — in person you could notice something amiss for sure.
Wow, I love it! I’m gonna try to recreate this look using some colors I already have. And I came up with a look that I’m gonna try as soon as I get my Hello Kitty stuff. I’m gonna try Lavender Whip and Sweet Strawberry on my lips, Too Dolly on my lower lashline with Kitty Power on my upper lashline. I might add some more stuff to the eyes too.
YAY! I hope you try it. Let me know how it works out for you 😀
your skin looks fab!!? And incredible makeup, as always. You look gogeous!! so creative xx
Thanks, Gail! 🙂 It’s an illusion, thanks to makeup!!
I absolutely love this look! I think I have something to try later………..
Thanks, Sarah! I hope you try it out 🙂
That look is amazing! I had thought that no one could sport the Lavender Whip… but you make it work!
Thanks, Brigitte! Oh, no, you can definitely can rock Lavender Whip. It’s not soo bad 🙂
So you started getting really large painful pimple with this primer? Heard of anyone else having this problem?
That primer makes me oily, I personally dont like it! I never used it long enough to notice anything!
Yes, some people are more sensitive to silicone (primary ingredient in Photofinish), which can cause breakouts. I’ve never had any product reactions until Photofinish! Photofinish Light is supposed to be Smashbox’s answer for those who can’t handle the original.
You ALWAYS look fab, I love this combo!
Ugh I need to go to the derm! Do you think the visit helped? I broke out with cystic acne after using Clinique and ever since then no matter what I do I keep breaking out I stopped using Clinique like 3 months ago when it happened. Now I have horrid acne scars—i wanna cry–I used Philosophy skincare that didnt help, now im using Estee Lauder Nutrtious line helped but still breaking out grr!
Jenni — don’t use anything Clinique if you have a tendency for breakouts — only the Acne Line. Try Erno Laszlo or MB.
Sorry to hear about your skin! I totally hear where you’re coming from. I’ve had terrible acne for years especially when using clinique stuff. I’ve found a routine that works really well and wanted to share. Hopefully it works for you. Use Benoxyl 10 soap (you can buy at walgreens or longs). It will dry out your skin but it’ll also kill the nasty bacteria acne causing pimples. After that, use Creme de La Mer..a little bit out of the jar, rub it against ur fingers until it liquifies and then pat onto face. That will help keep face moisturize. I saw a difference within 2 weeks. No more breakouts, skin went from oily/combo to normal. I also use their liquid foundation and loose powder. So far I haven’t broken out for 4 months. Good luck!
Thanks for the tips, Kristie!
Thanks im going to look for that I started using witchhazel toner and that has helped
Thanks, Jeni!
To be honest, my visit didn’t help me much. I feel like she wasn’t willing to help me with my problem by doing things that were reasonable or would work for my lifestyle. She wanted me to stop reviewing products even though I told her that’s my livelihood. She gave me prescriptions, but she said they wouldn’t solve my problems (which is like, WHY bother?). Usually you feel hopeful after you see a doctor, especially a dermatologist, instead of like there’s no hope at all!
You might not have scars yet, they may be hyperpigmentation. I try to use Mederma on any and all potential scars 🙂 It helps a lot.
Thank you I feel there is hope now! iIm sorry your doctor was such a witch or so it sounds like im glad youre almost back in action =D Im gonna have to also get some Mederma! Thanks love!
No problem!! 🙂 I wish you the best of luck!
Beautiful Look Christine!
I’ve been using Smashbox Photo Finish (light) for about 2 months now, not everyday, (only about 3 days a wk), but so far I haven’t noticed any problems. But now I’m worried. I’ll be keeping a close watch on my skin.
I use the light as well and have no issues, but the original one breaks me out. you should be fine!
Good to hear! It really does help my foundation go on more smoothly, and helps keep the shine down.
Yes, the light one is definitely designed for those who couldn’t work with the regular one! I’m too nervous to try it, though.
Thanks, Tracy!
The Light version is supposed to be the one that won’t break you out, if the regular stuff does… but to be honest, I don’t think I’m brave enough to risk it after the regular ordeal!
This is very nice!
Thanks, Silk!
Sorry to hear about your skin 🙁
That being said, you’re as gorgeous as ever! And this is definitely a great comeback look…especially since you make Lavender Whip look “normal”, haha.
Thanks, Shayla! LOL, it’s the illusion of makeup doing what it does best!!
wow, this look is gorgeous!! I’m definitely gonna try and recreate it!
Thanks so much, Gio!!
I love how you put a little of the orange color on the outer lower lashline to bring all of the colors full circle and balance it out. Very very bright and pretty!
Thanks, Heather 🙂 I’m such an eyeshadow-as-lower-lash-liner kind of gal.
Love the look! I just don’t know what I would do if I had to take a break from make up, specially with a breakout like that. Cause make up would be my first go to for it XD I wish I could pull off bright eyes and lips like you do. It looks good on you, but I feel it makes me look like a clown. D:
Thanks, Angie!
I wear a little concealer or dab on foundation right where I need it when I go to school, but I’ve been trying to do any errands (like going to Starbucks or something) without it, as well as whenever I’m around the house.
Beautiful look on you Christine! Moreover I am glad you are using the MB products — they have saved my sanity for years! I have been for years now PEEEMPLE Free.. and my skin really does glos. I also use some of the Clinique products for acne (I never had acne, but even one zit got to me). And, in the last few years, since my skin is stable now, I use a home brew of rice water.. keeps the skin glowing and pores invisible. For anyone who doesn’t want to go the home route, there are rice products from L’Occitane which I found wonderful. I have also given up the Studio Fix as I think that made me shiny and now am using/alternating Lancome, Chanel bases.. so far so good. Again, congrats!
Thanks so much! 🙂 I’m really liking them for now. What are your favorite MB products?
Hi Christine! I probably tried every primer out there.. Chanel and YSL are awesome but they broke me out in the end. I have sensitive/combo skin and the only primer that worked for me is the Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer from Sephora. It costs a bit more but it’s the only thing I am able to use without breaking out. Try sampling it from the store 🙂
Thanks for letting me know! I don’t even need primer for the most part–at least not to control oil, and my foundation tends to last as long as I need it, too. I think MAC’s Prep + Prime was fine for me, though. Sigh!
oops, I did just buy the new Sculpt gel foundation and concealer (haven’t used it yet tho)…if I see one small teeeeeny zit, it goes out the door!
Wow! I love the eyes, soo bright!
Thanks, Ashlee!!
oh that’s such a shame! glad to hear your skin is returning to normal though. it’s always good to give your skin a chance to breathe every now and then.
loving the eyes btw!!
Thanks, Bec! Oh, definitely, but I gotta tell you… I’m about ready to get back into makeup!
Oooooooooooo I love the eyes!
Thank you, Lydia! 🙂
I’m not sure why I keep hearing people say that not very many skintones will be able to pull off the lavender lip trend, because it looks amazing on you!! Good to hear your skin is getting back to normal, Christine 🙂
Me neither! I haven’t seen it look bad on anyone 😉
How does blogging keep your skin from healing? The only thing I can think of is trying new products but everybody tries out new things at least once in awhile. Otherwise how will you know if something even better comes along! I hate asshat doctors.
It’s the trying products out part. IMO, as soon as I told the dermatologist that I do try out different products, it was like there was no other possible reason for my acne. :/
But I disagreed with that, because I had 4 months of fantastic skin despite frequently trying out products for over two years now. So why would my skin clear up magically for four months, and then take a nose dive if it’s just the cumulative effect of testing vs. specific products.
Only you could pull off this bold look! Sorry to hear about your skin woes!
Thanks, Rachael! 🙂
Don’t like this look sorry!
The skin looks ashy,lips are too pale,and something is wrong with the qiuality of MAC lipstick from this launch,it just doesn’t do the job.
Eye combination is a bit weird.
Sorry,there are though amazing looks of yours that i like!
I don’t think Christine’s skin looks ashy at all.
Sorry you didn’t like it, Whirl!
that is so pretty, I actually really like it!
and you are making me want lavender whip!
Thanks so much, Erica!! 🙂 Glad you liked it. Give Lavender Whip a try!
Very cool look! Your eyes look lighter brown 🙂
Thanks, Kella! Ha!
I am recently having acne problems too…I have always used Clinique 3 step system and never had any problems but from the start of this year my skin started to breakout and then I had already bought the Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer on a whim and used it and I think it got worse. I have stopped and started using Benzoyl peroxide creme from Neutrogena and the pimples got a little better but now I have these red marks all down my cheeks:( I am planning on going to the derm soon…can anyone here give me some advice? Gorgeous skin BTW and the eyeshadow looks divine.
This is just what works for me, but maybe it can help you too! For me, the Clinique 3-Step system (for oily/combo skin) can be drying and irritating. which can end up making your skin oiler (b/c the oil glands produce more oil to compensate for the dryness). I would pick a milder cleanser, my personal favorite is Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Facial Cleanser (it has no irritants and gets make-up off really well). Also, I would definitely eliminate that clinique toner, too harsh. Treat your pimples with a benzoyl peroxide spot treatment (like Clean and Clear Persa Gel… do they still make that?). Also, I can’t say enough about Oil of Olay Regenerist Serum (in the fragrance free version). Its enough moisture for someone w/ combination skin (like me) and actually I’ve seen a noticeable improvement in the texture and coloring of my skin in the last month!
Definitely invest in Mederma! It’s pricey for OTC, but it’s really good to make sure you don’t scar. Aloe vera also helps healing… or even vitamin E capsules that you open and apply to your face can help (assuming you aren’t allergic!).
This look reminds me of the 80s, bright and colorful, I really love it!
It
I think Lavender Whip is going to be the hottest lippie for 2009.
I wouldn’t be surprised!
Lavender Whip looks SO purple on me!! I didn’t buy it cause I would never use it 🙁 but I wish I could pull it off. It looks a lot more pinkey on you (IMO).
Just addd pink 🙂 It won’t be so purple then!
Christine this is a beautiful look.
Your skin looks beautiful to me, but if there is something that’s really bothering you…I might try cutting out dairy. A lot lot lot lot of people have problems with that stuff. I cut out dairy for a month and saw a huge diff in my skin. Haven’t gone back since.
Thanks so much, KatoAto! I actually don’t have too much dairy in my diet, but my skin has cleared up like 85-90% since starting MB as a skincare regimen, so I think I should be OK with dairy for now, lol.
Funny thing is….because of the field I am working in, I actually had a brand trainer from Smashbox coming in and train us. I had the same problem with Smashbox primer with its silicone content, it broke me out badly. I raised the question to the guy who were there, and he started getting so defensive about Smashbox. After 10 mins of defending the silicone (which is no. 1 reason for skin breakouts) and failed, he “diagnosed” me of having a rare allergy. I was thinking in my mind, well, I am certainly not the first or the last person who is having reactions to Smashbox complexion products, so what the hell is he talking about?!?!
LOL! Silicone is a popular ingredient for breakouts, just depends on the person. I know Photofinish Light is supposed to be their version for those who can’t handle the regular.
Gorgeous! Reminds me of sunset on the beach or something, lol.
What did you use the 214 for?
I actually didn’t use it in this look! I usually just list all the brushes I normally use in a look, but I don’t necessarily use it, lol. Oops!
Omg *dies* I LOVE this look.
Yayy! Thanks, Sasha! 😀
lovely christine 🙂
you definitely match lavender whip, I don’t think i could have pulled it off 🙁
Thanks, Shanel! 🙂 Aww, I think you could!
oh good’ness I just read the beginning of your blog, the smashbox photo finish primer made your skin act up?! man, I love that primer but I use the light one due to my very oily skin. it minimizes my pores & leaves my skin soft & also longerlasting makeup. there must be somethin’in that primer that your skin just doesnt agree with.
sorry to here about that grl!
The light one is supposed to be better if you’re sensitive to the regular stuff! I’m glad it works for you 😀
That is intense! I love the eyes, but the lips are a little over the top for me.
Thanks, Jess! 🙂 I always go a lil’ OTT for events at MAC. Then I fit in!
Gorgeous!
Thank you so much, Crystal!
So stunning on you! Going to copy this look! I wore Lavendar whip with Quick tease lipglass today!
Thanks, Donna! Ooh, how did it turn out?
Jan Marini line is really good for acne plus it has an added benefit to prevent wrinkles or sun damaged. They are non drying at all unlike typical acne skincare. I really like mario badescu glycolic cleanser. I used to use it. Give JM a try, the papaya mask is amazing for acne spots. I hate Clinique and Smashbox primer. For primer, I like DHC velvet skin coat so far. The new prescriptives flawless primer is so so.
Thanks for the heads up, Pat! 🙂 So far MB has been working really well, so I won’t be changing it up much for awhile!
i think your face and skin are photoblog friendly ….keep up the good werk
Thanks, Balqis!
Your skin looks fabulous!
The eyes remind me of a promo for Guerlain. You wear this look well. You could mix many different lip colors with this multi-color eyeshadow prism look.
Thanks so much, Lena! 🙂
Yeah, this look definitely has a bunch of lip combos you could use!
ooooh…this look is sooo pretty and colorful..!! 🙂
i hadn’t even noticed the orange until i saw the full face pic in which u r looking down…GOOOORGEOUS!! 🙂
Thanks so much! Glad you liked it 😀
GIRL! This is gorgeous!
Thanks so much, Rose!
Very pretty!!!
Thanks so much, Victoria! 🙂
This look is absolutely gorgeous Christine!! You look amazing! And your skin looks awesome too! Smashbox primer does weird things to my skin too….
Thanks, Abby!! 🙂 I’m so glad I’m not the only one with issues with Smashbox!
Christine,
I feel for your skin issues. I’ve battled with my skin issues for years. I finally resorted to accutane last summer and now am at peace with my skin. Good luck finding a new dermatologist….I’ve been to several and have a drawer full of RX’s. If you don’t mind me asking…which one did she give you?
She put me on Differin, because Retin-A just dries me out unbearably — like why substitute acne for ridiculous dry and flaking skin that’s noticeable? But since Differin was going to cost me $200, I said pass. I don’t know the name of the cleanser, though, but it was also $200, LOL.
Shame on her for the way she treated you. I hope she gave you samples of the products. If it helps, my mom used Differin and raved about it! I used Retin-A for several years but I had extremely oily skin, so I didn’t get really dry. I used Renova a couple of years ago bc the derm said it helped acne as well as wrinkles. It made my skin feel better, but only for a short time. I hope you find something that works, trust me I know your pain. Don’t fret, your skin looks great in the pics!
No, she didn’t, LOL. I have heard good things about Differin, too, so I was like, “Well, I might as well…” until I heard the pricetag. Then I said, no thanks! Let me try some other crap first!!
I really love that top color. It’s gorgeous.
Thanks, Ashley! 🙂
you look really nice! But i loooove really natural make-up!!! But you look gorgeous with this make-up style!
Thanks so much, Domi! 🙂 It’s been awhile since I’ve done any bold makeup.
Gorgeous!
I’ve had crappy experiences with Dermotologists. I battled with acne throughout my entire adolescence. Most derms just kept switching me to different skin regimines (Retin-A, Glycolic acid treaments, etc) and antibiotics (wish we had antibiotic resistance research back then! because pumping 13 year olds full of antibiotics will work eventually, right? ugh) but really my skin didn’t clear up until I went on birth control at 18. And even a few years after that, my skin started breaking out again. But then I started finally researching on my own, and I came across acne.org. The simple skin care regimine on that site saved me! You should check it out if you get the chance!
Its a shame the Smashbox Primer breaks you out! I’ve never had a problem with it….however all MAC liquid foundations break me out, so everyone is different!
Thanks! 🙂
I definitely use acne.org when I need to 😀 Acne is such a tough battle, isn’t it?
everythings hella pretty wooo! =)
Thanks, Monika!
Ooooh simply so gorgeous!
Thank you, love!
Everything about this look is so gorgeous on you Christine! I love the hair too!
Thanks, Amber 🙂
So nice !
For my skin, I use some products by Audrey Organics :
– cream day : vegecol
– night cream : vegecell
– on my pimple (only on them) : amino derm gel clear (use it on the night after the vegecell)
– like a “d
Thanks, Ju! 🙂 I’m really liking MB right now, so I’m not ready to switch quite yet!
You have done so many breathtaking looks already,but still i have to say,this is the best!!!!! love love love love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
i love vibrant,bold colors…. i am really against neutrals 😀
this look IS the perfect combo!!!!
congrats 🙂
Thank you so much, Zsofi! How have you been?
I had lots of exams,in the last 3 months… i am so happy to be over it 😀 now the spring half year is about to start at college…
and You still study,too? Or You already finished school?
love: Zsofi
Oh, wow! I hope your tests went well! 🙂
Still studying over here. I have a long way to go til I’m done!
i LOOVE this look! thanks for posting it (:
Thanks, Renee!
I love this look and I want to do it for when I go to get my HK but I only have the fuschia pigment and stars n rockets out of the colours you used for your eyes. So I do have other colours and if its not too much trouble could you please tell me which are the best dupes for the ones you used?
Firespot dupe- dusty coral, genuine orange and electric coral pigments. And I have the Two to Glow eyeshadow duo from the electroflash collection which is an gold/orangey colour.
Passionate dupe- sushi flower, playful. And I have the Pink Split duo from electroflash and Threesome from one of the holiday collections.
Contrast- I have the Shadowy Lady quad from Cult of Cherry and the Odd Couple from electroflash.
I don’t have Hush but I have some beige/highlighter colours but some might be too light/dark.
So I have: Orb, Jest, Lightfall, Scant, Gorgeous. And Sweet Eyes or Young Thing from one of the holiday palettes, I’m not sure which is the beige and which is the pink, I think its Sweet Eyes.
Hi Elle!
You could definitely opt for Genuine Orange mixed with Two to Glow 🙂 I think Playful would be the best for Passionate. Odd Couple, and then Lightfall!
very colorful look. You wear it well. I wish I had the guts to wear something like this.
I feel your pain, my skin went haywire after the summer and i spent about a good 200 bucks on prescriptions and antibiotics etc and nothing worked. I was so depressed my skin was horrible. My research finally led me to doing the all natural solutions- lemon juice, aspirin masks, honey masks etc, and I swear I live by the all natural rule. I don’t waste my money on drug store products and prescriptions anymore. Lemon Juice is a GOD SEND in helping with pimples and scars! It might not work for everyone depending on your skin type but it worked wonders for me. My skin is clear except for the scarring. I just started using this scrub and cleanser from ABRA Therapeutics to help with the scarring, hopefully that helps. But my advice is to try the all natural thing.
I’m so glad to hear what works for you! It’s so great that you found a routine that DOES work for you. Tell me more about how you use lemon juice!
Ok.. so I’ve been on the hunt for a bright pink shadow, and I’m a die-hard M.A.C. fan… my only issue with them is their color samples never seem to be true to the product, I’m so happy to see your how-tos
and pictures, I can finally get a good idea of the colors. On the M.A.C. site Passionate and Fuschia look so dark and too red. Now I can see M.A.C. actually does have what I’m looking for YAY!
Yay! 🙂 If it doesn’t work out, try Make Up For Ever, too. They have nice hot pink eyeshadows.
OOO I so wanted Lavender Whip but they were sold out. I love this look. Oh, the boldness of the eyes and lips!
Thank ya, Rosie!