1...2... Freddy's Coming For You..

THIS JUST IN FOLKS:

The trailer for the movie "Son of a Hundred Maniacs" was released TODAY. So for your viewing pleasure.. HERE IT IS!!

Starring: John William Watkins, Melanie Sirois, Rainni Moran, Kahari Mays

Directed by: Andrew Daniels

And of course, makeup is done by me =)

Enjoy!!!

Product Review: Mattify Cosmetics

Everyone knows of MAC, Dior, Clinique, etc, but I wanted to be able to branch out and explore some of the smaller companies out there and see if I could find some hidden gems.

I stumbled upon a company called Mattify Cosmetics. I found them interesting because they are specifically tailored to those with oiler skin. They allowed me to pick out 5 products to review so I decided to try a primer, foundation, blush and two eye shadows.

First and foremost I will say that if you have dry skin, this isn’t the company for you. With that said if you have oily skin and you are looking for a makeup that will keep the shine at bay and last for a while, look no further.

So lets paint the scene:

It’s Friday night and you’ve decided to knock back a few margaritas with your girlfriends that ultimately leads to a night of dancing on tables and bad karaoke (don’t lie, we’ve all been there). You go to the ladies room to freshen up and you meet your worst enemy.. the mirror. At this point your face may resemble a reflective surface and your “hot look” is now smeared all over your eyes. Sound familiar? Well I put these products to the test and after a few drinks my makeup was still intact. Kudos Mattify Cosmetics.

Products:

1.              Mattify Cosmetics Transparent Powder:

 

This is a translucent powder that can be worn under foundation as a primer, over foundation as a shine guard, or both. I will say that if you lean more toward having combination skin I would suggest only using it as a primer or over foundation since it does have a drying effect. This product really did hold true to its description. My makeup stayed on all night and I was completely shine free! What I love about this product is its versatility. I also swept a tiny bit of the powder on my eyelids and my eye makeup didn’t crease or smudge the entire night.  As an added bonus you can wear this product alone to help minimize pores and reduce skin redness. And for all you animal lovers, this product is in fact vegan. Hats off to this product.

2.              Mattify Cosmetics Fair/Medium Powder Foundation: 

Much like the Mattifying Powder, these are not only a foundation but also a shine resistant one at that. I will say that these provide a lighter coverage then some of the other powder foundations I have tried, although you are able to layer it up for a little heavier coverage. You can also use it as a spot concealer or over your normal foundation as an oil absorbing tinted powder.  All in all, it’s a decent foundation and I recommend it for someone who wants a light to medium coverage.

3.              Mattify Cosmetics Long Lasting Blush in Harmony:

This truly lives up to its name. The blush stays put all night and the shade was beautiful and truly complimented my skin. It wasn’t too harsh, and had a light/natural look. Kudos to the “stay put” factor.

4.              Mattify Cosmetics Eye Shadows:

(The dark shadow is "Summer Storm" and the lighter shadow is "Iced Apricot." The photo on the right is a dry swatch while the photo on the left is a wet swatch.)

First and foremost I am a sucker for loose eye shadows because of the versatility factor. I tried both shadows (Iced Apricot and Summer Storm) dry and wet. Both effects were beautiful. The shadows are long lasting and have a good color pay off. I also used the apricot with a little clear gloss to make a light, shimmery gloss. All of their eye shadows (with the exception of the Iced Apricot and Cotton Candy) are vegan. Stellar.

All in all, I would recommend these products to the right clients and the prices are hard to beat. Hats off to you, Mattify Cosmetics, for delivering products that truly stick by their name. I look forward to using your products in the future.

So visit Mattify Cosmetics and see for yourself!

Zombies, Zombies, Zombies!

So in leu of the apocalyptic-esque weather I have decided to dedicate my first "real" post to pop cultures hot craze.. Zombies!

There are a few different ways you can achieve a striking zombie look. But you must ask yourself some basic questions before you can start:

1. What type of zombie? 
Zombies come in an array of colors and styles.

2. Gore or no gore? 
Did you just finishing munching on something (someone?) or are you freshly turned and ready for action?


My answers usually are green zombies and gore.. lots of gore.

To achieve this particular look, you can do the following:

1. Use a white face base such as Ben Nye's Clown White, stipple on a light coat all over the face and neck area. This will create a nice base for your colors. 

2. Using a gradient of green eye shadows (on this particular look I used BH Cosmetics 120 Pallet, First Edition) Brush on the lightest color first using a large fluffy brush. 

3. Continue adding the various shades of green onto the face and neck. Remember that the darkest colors should be used for contouring the cheeks, hairline, sides of the nose as well as the jawline. 

4. Using a black eyeshadow color around the eyes to give them a sunken look. Remember to add hints of green to blend the black in with the rest of the face. 

5. Using a black, cream or liquid eyeliner (I went with Macs Liquid Eyeliner in Black) trace over your natural eyebrows and extend them slightly down toward your inner eye creating a circle. Go over the liner in a black eyeshadow to set it.

6. To create the "cracks" use the same eyeliner and draw cracked lines (nothing too thick). I like to work with the natural lines of my face and extend up from my brows. Go over the liner in a black eyeshadow to set it. 

7. For the lips shade in with green shadow and stipple black shadow over. 

Zombie Gore:

1. Using a medium sized paint brush, brush on a layer of Liquid Latex over the areas you'd like your gore to be. 

2. Using THIN strips of toilet paper, place over the liquid latex in the following format:

• Rolled pieces for along the perimeter of the latex
• Fill in the rest with assorted sizes, keep in mind it does not need to be perfect, the different sizes will help bring texture to the effect

3. After you lay the paper down using a color wheel, I used the Ben Nye Monster Wheel, color in as followed:

• darkest reds, browns and purples for the outer parts of the effect
• lighter assortments of reds and purples for the inner part
• pick a few choice spots to add a dash of the darker reds, browns and purples for dimension 

4. As an optional step you can place fake blood using a cosmetic sponge along the entire piece. Ben Nye makes a good fake blood but you can also get creative and make your own as well.

And there you have it. If you have any questions feel free to leave a comment and I will be happy to answer them.

I have included a few other inspirations for you. Now go out, get creative and show the world your stuff! 

Be sure to tag me on instagram so I can see your very own finished product @AllisonElizabethBeauty.

Or find me on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ally.barrett.98

Happy Hauntings!

 

My Very First Post

Well I'm new to the "blogging world" so here it goes!

For those of you who don't know me, my name is Allison Elizabeth and I am a freelance beauty and special effects makeup artist based in the New York City and northern New Jersey area. I have always loved makeup and after doing the "9 to 5" thing I decided to quit my job and follow my dreams. So far I have been very blessed and have enjoyed every single minute of this ride. My posts will mostly consist of my makeup looks and product reviews. Enjoy!

Beneath the makeup and behind the smile, I'm just a girl who wishes for the world.