New Release: OCC Spring/Summer 2015 Cosplay Collection

Heeeeeyyyyy everybody! I'm back. Sorry for the disappearing act. It'd be easy to lie and say I was super busy. But really, I was just choosing to spend my time doing other things. You can read that as -- whenever I had time off, I chose to go to the beach instead of film videos and blog. I'm in Florida. I have to take advantage of the main attraction. Can you really blame me? You can't spend all your life in front of a computer screen, because YOLO. 

(Wait, are people still saying YOLO?)

But anyway, I'm back today with a little announcement for all of you Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics fans. They released their spring/summer 2015 collection and it's a fun array of bright colors inspired by world of cosplay. Gotta be honest, I'm totally out of the loop when it comes to cosplay. But, I'm totally digging on this new collection which includes six lip tars and six lacquers. 

But before we jump into the colors and stuff, can we just take a moment to admire how gorgeous Willam Belli looks in the promo pic (wearing Cosplay on lips and nails)? I'm jealous. He needs to come help me look more like a girl on the daily because my lazy ass is always in yoga pants and t-shirts. 

Ok, now let's check out the collection in the photo below, along with pricing and color descriptions.  

I didn't receive any press samples, so I don't have much to share in the way of swatchs (except for Memento which I already owned from some time back). But that's totally ok. Window shopping (computer screen shopping?) is still fun. So instead of swatches, I'm sharing which items I'd pick out of the crowd if I were shopping the collection. 

As a neutral-loving gal, I'm totally amazed by all you brave beauties who rock fun rainbow-colored lips. Seriously, kudos to you! The most daring lip shades I wear are violet hues. And even then, the shades still fall squarely into the "wearable" category. And by that I mean they might be bright, but they're still on the safe side. If I wore them to the office (with subdued makeup), no one would alert the dress code police. So it's probably no surprise that my lip tar choices are the two pink shades in the collection. 

Femme, described as a true baby pink, looks like a fun way take your humdrum every day pink and update it for spring and summer. It's light but still looks brighter than your every day office pink so it can serve a fun pop of color that's safe but not too boringly neutral.  

Memento, described as a mid-tone pink/plum neutral, has to make it into my top picks because I already own it. How could I not pick it? It falls squarely in the safe-bet selection. It's neutral undertones and subdued shade make it a perfect everyday lip color for those of us who like wearing pink. As you can see from the swatch below, this looks more like a mid-tone pink (at least on me). I'm not really seeing the plum tones. This leads me to wonder, did OCC reformulate Memento or am I just not very good at seeing and describing colors? The second option isn't that far fetched. I've been known to muck up a color description from time to time when left to my own devices. I'm human.

Choosing only a few nail polishes was much more difficult. I'm a bit more daring with color on my nails than I am with it on my lips, so I could easily see myself wearing almost every color in the collection. But I limited my selection to four shades.

Femme -- Clearly I chose this one because I have a weakness for pink nail polish. It's easily the most abundant shade in my collection with more duplicates than I care to admit. I just gravitate to them. I can't help myself. And a creamy light pink? Done. I love it for both fingers and toes.

Cha Cha -- This fun pale tangerine shade screams poolside pedicure to me so I would just have to have it. Seems like a fun alternative to my go-to coral during the spring and summer.

Belladona -- While pink is my most purchased nail polish shade, purple (and blue) are a close second. And this electric violet would simply have to join my polish club. I love it for nails and toes. But depending on how bright it is in real life it may end up on my toes more often because grown up stuff sometimes demands subdued manicures. Those are the times that being grown is the pits.

John Doe -- I love a taupe manicure. It's a nice way to do neutral when you're not in the mood to wear nude polish.

Now you tell me, what are your top picks from this collection?

OCC Lip Tar Swatches: Mein Herr, Yaoi, Rhythm Box, Black Metal Dahlia

A while back, I shared swatches and a rambling review of my first Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics lip tar (check it out here) purchase. Although sometimes tricky to use (you'll need a lip brush and steady hand), I really loved their color pay off and moisturizing quality. The 0.33 fl. oz tubes are packed with fabulous lip loving ingredients like hemp oil and Vitamin E and peppermint oil (to give them an antibacterial quality). They're also paraben free.

Aside from all that goodness, OCC's lip tars are so pigmented and easy to spread, all you need is a tiny drop for an opaque and colorful pout. That means you'll have them for a really long time.

Interestingly enough, when I first purchased them they retailed for $16, but now they'll run you $18. Considering my three original purchases still look brand new (I'm not kidding when I say one drop goes a LONG way), I'm not going to gripe over an extra $2.

If I had to gripe about something, it's that I wish they were easier to apply, so I could easily swipe more on after eating. As it is, it requires a little more work than a tube of lipstick or gloss. But I understand there's a reason behind this, they're easier to mix and create customized color (part of their appeal) in this liquidy form. Clearly, it's not a big enough gripe to keep me from acquiring more. And that's exactly what I did recently.

If you've check out my Makeup Show hauls (here and here) you already knew that. Today,  I'm finally getting around to sharing some swatches. But first, a quick reminder of the three lip tars I purchased:

OCC Lip Tars (left to right): Yaoi, Rhythm Box, Black Metal Dahlia

And a photo of the lip tar I received as part of the blogger preview:

OCC Lip Tar in Mein Herr

Enough reminders, let's check out what these babies look like when you wear them already.

OCC Lip Tar Yaoi

Yaoi is part of the metallic lip tar line and can be best described as a shimmery bright fuchsia. And you guys know that I can't resist a fuchsia lipstick or nail polish. It's only natural I'd eventually get my hands on Yaoi.

While Yaoi is part of the metallic line, it's not overly shimmery or frosty, which I like because it makes it more wearable. It has shimmer, but it's not overpowering. 

OCC lip tar in Rhythm Box

Rhythm Box is part of the stained gloss lip tar collection and can be best described as a translucent burgundy. To me, it looks like a berry stain with a little bit of glossy shine. I think this might be my favorite as the sheer and glossy finish makes this color incredibly easy to wear.

OCC lip tar in Mein Herr

I know I love my pigmented colors, but I'm really in love with the stained gloss line. Mein Herr is a pretty sheer nude gloss that's really easy to wear every day. I also love wearing it over a lot of my lipsticks to mute them down and give them some shine.

OCC lip tar Black Metal Dahlia

Black Metal Dahlia, as the name suggests, is part of the metallic line. It can be best described as a deep burgundy with red pearl finish. Unlike Yaoi, Black Metal Dahlia definitely looks metallic. It's a vampy statement color that would look lovely with simple makeup -- making your lips take center stage. Of all the colors shared today, this was the trickiest to work with as blotting can cause some splotchiness and the pearly finish can make it more obvious (that's magnified by super close up camera shots).

While the color is beautiful and I love a bold lip, Black Metal Dahlia is a bit too intense for me, I think it's the simmer. To counteract that (and not leave this pretty color sitting around collecting dust), I apply it by dabbing it on with my finger to give it more of a stain effect.

OCC lip tar Black Metal Dahlia worn as stain

It ends up looking like a deeper version of Rhythm box, with just a tiny hint of shimmer. I'll probably wear it like this most often, and slowly build up the intensity to help me get use to it's boldness.

Are you a fan of OCC lip tars? Which colors are your favorite? Are you a fan of any of the colors I shared today?

Beauty Haul: The Makeup Show Part 2

In case you've been stuck under a rock these past few weeks: I went to The Makeup Show in Orlando recently. If you're a regular here, you already know this. While I was there, I did some makeup hauling damage. I shared my beauty haul from the blogger preview event recently, and promised there'd be more to come.

Well, I'm delivering on that promise with a lot of product pictures for your perusing pleasure. This post includes the items that I purchased while at the show. Don't forget to leave a comment and let me know which products you're most interested in seeing swatches and reviews on first.

OCC Lip Tars in (left to right) Yaoi, Rhythm box, and Black Metal Dahlia

Ben Nye luxury banana powder

Crown brushes (top to bottom): Infinity Round Blender brush, Syntho Angle Shader brush, Syntho Chisel Shader brush, Jumbo Shadow brush, Crescent Shadow brush, and Oval Shadow brush

Bdellium brushes (#776, #785, and #953), OFRA brush #21

OFRA Cosmetics lipsticks in (l to r) Fuchsia, 202, and 201

Inglot lipstick #140

Cult Nails in (l to r): Spontaneous, My Kind of Cool Aid, Morning Glory

Ellis Faas Creamy Lipsticks in Deep Fuchsia (L104) and Ellis Red (L101)

Ellis Faas Creamy Eyes eye shadow in lilac taupe (E106)

Make Up For Ever Mist & Fix setting spray, Face & Body foundation (20), HD Elixir, Aqua Smoky Lash, HD Invisible Cover Concealer (325)

Michael Marcus Prime botanical primer in Light

Stila In The Know all matte eye shadow palette

Beauty Blender duo with carrying case and solid cleanser 

I also purchased a Make Up For Ever palette exclusive to the Makeup Show designed by James Vincent and his fellow artist friends that had 10 eyeshadow and blush pans. There was a tiny mistake when I made the purchase, and I didn't receive all 10 shades (I got 9 shades, and a duplicate of one of the shades which equaled 10). I contacted Make Up For Ever and let them know what happened and they graciously offered to send me the missing shade. Since I didn't want to take a picture of the incomplete palette, I'm waiting on the item to arrive. Once that comes in, I'll take a photo and share the colors in the palette so that you can easily recreate it. 

Other items purchased but not pictured (because they they're little beauty tools you can get from anywhere): MUFE duo pencil sharpener, MUFE mixing palette, MUFE powder puff, and an assortment of wispy false lashes. 

And last, but not least. I was given a press kit for the Makeup Bullet. I'm very excited to review this item for you. It's a reusable makeup sponge that fits on your finger! Genius!

Well, there you have it -- that's my haul from The Makeup Show Orlando. If you went, what did you get? Anything in my haul you'd like to see reviewed and swatched first? 

Beauty Haul: The Makeup Show Orlando Part 1

*This post includes press sample products*

So you guys know I recently attended The Makeup Show Orlando. I've posted pre-show announcements. I tweeted. I instagramed. I've even shared a few of the things I learned (don't worry there's more to come on that front). But I haven't shown you yet, and what I'm sure you're waiting to see is what I got while I was there.

Well, the wait it over. This post I'll show you some of the goodies I brought home from the show. But since I went a little crazy (I was at a makeup trade show on payday weekend, what did you expect?), I'm splitting this haul up into a few posts. Product reviews and swatches will follow in posts to come. For now, you get a a sneak peek of all the products I'll be testing and talking about.

Blogger Preview

As a blogger attending the show, the first thing I got to do was attend the blogger preview, where James Vincent, director of artistry for The Makeup Show, showed us some of his favorite items that would be available from the various vendors. He also gave us a goodie bag that included a few of those items in it for us to test out for ourselves. 

Before I share those photos with you, I need so say this: James is a amazing. His personality is magnetic. His passion and enthusiasm for his work is infectious.  And his extensive knowledge is evident when he speaks. During the small amount of time I got to spend listening to him throughout the show, it was clear that he is an incredible educator -- the kind of person that truly captivates his audience when he speaks. 

 Clearly, I'm quite the fan girl.

Now, let's check out the great product recommendations James had for us.

Nars eye paints in Snake Eyes

Stila Stay All Day Prime & Anti-Shine Balm

Temptu Pro S/B Concealer Wheel

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Kevyn Aucoin The Creamy Glow blush in Pravella

Ells Faas Mascara

Mehron Intense Pro Pressed Powder Pigments

Crown Brush zebra tweezers, powder puffs, black kohl eyeliner pencil

Kett Fixx Creme Blush for lips and cheeks in Daiquiri

Senna Cosmetics Brow Fix X in Golden Brown

Xtreme Lashes Glide Liner long lasting eye pencil in Black Pearl

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar Stained Gloss in Mein Herr

Cara Cosmetics eye glimmers in Dakota Glimmer

Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre

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Graftobian Magic Set Mixing and Lining Liquid

Prana SpaCeuticals Organic Hand Sanitizer

Make Up For Ever 202 Brush

T3 Hair Elastics

Cosmetic spatula from Nigel's Beauty Emporium

Stay tuned for my Makeup Show Haul Part 2 where I'll show some of the products I purchased while at the event.

Don't forget to comment to let me know which products you'd like to see me review and swatch first.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Makeup Show Recap: Beauty Tips for a Flawless Face from OCC's David Klasfeld

If you're a regular on this blog, then you know I recently attended The Makeup Show Orlando. Needless to say, I was excited. Not only would I be surrounded by beauty products for two whole days, but I'd also get to listen to industry experts share their insights on growing your career, building your kit, and applying makeup for different types of jobs.

Among those speakers was David Klasfeld, founder of Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics. I sat in on his live demonstration of editorial makeup application. During that discussion there was one vital takeaway: Editorial makeup isn't always avant garde and over-the-top.  In fact, most of the time, it's not. 

He pointed out that when you look through magazines, most of the photos and ads you see include models wearing natural-looking makeup that makes their skin look flawless.

Go ahead, grab your latest fashion magazine and flip through the pages. I'll wait...

David Klasfeld demonstrates his techniques for creating a flawless canvas for editorial makeup 

His point, as I understood it: Many of the editorial jobs most makeup artists will work on will require an ability to apply makeup that has the appearance of natural, enviable skin. Your models won't always have it (Doesn't that help make them seem a little more human?). You need to know how to create a flawless complexion without ending up with cake face. (He said this more eloquently. I interject humor.)

Since he was talking flawless skin, I thought it was a good opportunity to jot down some notes. After all, you don't need to be gracing the pages of Glamour to covet a beautiful complexion. So here's what I learned:

Klasfeld answers audience questions during his demonstration.

• Want the dewey skin you see in magazines? Reach for a good tinted moisturizer. Look for a tinted moisturizer that offers coverage and is buildable. In other words, look for a medium coverage that won't look or feel heavy when you build it up. David recommends OCC's Tint ($29.50), which offers medium coverage and an airbrush finish. It also uses aloe to moisturize without leaving residue. A nice drugstore option is Garnier's BB creams ($11.99), which offers  good color pay off that's easy to build. (Note: I'm not comparing Garnier BB cream to OCC Tint just stating that Garnier has nice pigmentation)
• Use more than one shade of foundation. Most people's faces aren't one single flat color tone. By using two different color foundations/tinted moisturizers you can create a more real-life effect. Typically, you'll use the lighter color in the center of your face, and the darker color (opt for a shade darker) along the perimeter to create natural shadows.
• Your makeup application tools are everything. But remember expensive doesn't always equal good. When choosing a foundation and concealer brush , look for brushes that are firm enough to provide control, but have enough give that they can adjust to the contours of your face. For example, a firm tipped brush will allow you to get right up to the edge of the lash line, but needs enough give so you can gently pull and blend the color down.
• Try to reduce the number of products used on your face. Too much product will make you look overly made up. When trying to look natural, multi-tasking products are your friend. Tinted moisturizers are an obvious gem. You can also use your concealer as eye shadow primer. If you're using cream shadow, make sure to set it so it won't crease.
• Cream blush gives you a healthy natural glow and will keep you from having too much powder build up on your face. Choose a long-wearing option like OCC's creme colour concentrate ($20), which  uses aloe to keep your skin moisturized without any oily residue. Bonus: It's a multi-use product for face, lips, and eyes. I'm also a fan of water-based creme blushes, which have a similar moisturized-but-not-oily effect.
• Only apply blush to the top part of the apples of your cheeks and lightly blend down. Why? When you smile you push your cheeks up. If you apply blush all over the apple of your cheek as you smile, that color will travel down when you stop smiling, creating a sagging effect that ages you.

Having a fan-girl moment meeting David Klasfeld

Those are his tips for editorial beauty you can easily use in your every day routine. Are you already using some of these tips? Which ones will you be adding to your beauty regimen? 

The Makeup Show Orlando New Keynote Speaker Announcement

The Makeup Show Orlando is right around the corner. This weekend, beauty brands will come together at The Peabody Orlando to offer beauty lovers and industry insiders access to their products at special show pricing. But this event offers more than great pricing and the opportunity to check out brands new product launches. It also offers participants amazing educational opportunities to help you build your career in the makeup industry.

And if The Makeup Show Orlando wasn't already offering an impressive line up, they recently announced the addition of a new keynote speaker.

David Klasfeld

David Klasfeld, creator and founder of popular brand Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics (OCC), will share his thoughts on building a brand.

David has made OCC a must-have brand for makeup artists and enthusiasts everywhere. In his presentation, Building a Brand with David Klasfeld (Saturday, Sept. 28 from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.), he'll share his journey of taking OCC from a brand that offered only two lip tars (Tarred and Feathered) to the cult favorite it is today.

David will discuss how to develop and create products that set trends and grow in popularity.  If you've ever dreamed of owning your own makeup brand, this presentation is right for you.

After you soak up all his knowledge, don't forget to stop by the OCC booth to check out their new product releases: six new nail polishes and six new lip tars.

So, what are you waiting for? Visit The Makeup Show Orlando to buy your tickets. Pre-sale tickets are available online through Sept. 26 and cost $35 for a one-day pass and $50 for a two-day pass. Discounted prices are available to for cosmetology students. You can also purchase tickets at the door ($50 for a one-day pass and $65 for a two-day pass).

I'll see you guys there! If you spot me, don't forget to say hello.

About The Makeup Show

The Makeup Show is owned and produced by Metropolitan Event & Production and travels internationally from LA, NYC, Chicago, Europe, and Orlando.  Bringing each destination over 60 beauty brands, and unique convergence of artists and community, where beauty professionals are sure to find an artistic energy that will inspire any beauty buff, from the passionate beginner to the seasoned professional. Each show offers an unparalleled lineup of education and appearances from top beauty professionals and focuses on career building and networking within the makeup community.  The show provides a unique experience for the makeup professional to network directly from the best in the business.