Product Review: YSL Vinyl Cream Lip Stain

As a professional makeup artist, you can probably guess how picky I am about my lip products. I have tested a lot of them and yet there are still new ones launching every day. In fact, for my own wedding I must have tried at least 40 lipsticks, glosses, and liners! For the big day, everything has to be PERFECT. Brides want a great lip color that won’t disappear after a few smooches. The old favorite I settled on 3 years ago was one of YSL’s glossy lip stains in a peachy shade. The texture was absolutely divine, and I was obsessed. So when I found out that YSL was sending me their new Vinyl Cream lip stain to test out, my heart did a happy dance! 

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The lip stain comes in a gold box and when I pulled the lip stain out, I noticed that the packaging is a bit different from their other lip stains. The others typically have a gold top and black bottom with a clear strip showing the color inside and of course the iconic YSL logo on one side. This particular stain is entirely black with a clear strip and the YSL logo which I think is very sleek and sexy. 

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Application: 

When I first applied the lip stain, I noticed how creamy it is. As with YSL’s other formulas, it is a very wet application so I had to be careful not to accidentally overdraw my lip line. I loved how saturated the lip color was though! The stain is buildable, but you really don’t need more than 1 coat because it is so pigmented. 

Experience On Lips: 

The thing I love most about this lip stain is the way it makes my lips feel! The texture is decadent. Hydrated and bouncy. Tacky, not sticky. Since its called Vinyl, I expected more of a high-shine finish but this is just a regular glossy finish not unlike the YSL Glossy Stains. Since I love those, I’m not complaining. 

Wear: 

I was pleasantly surprised by the durability of this stuff! While it is not advertised as kiss-proof, it certainly is. I tested it out on my husband and while he did get just a little bit of clear “gloss” on him, absolutely no color transferred to him whatsoever. I wore this for 6 hours and it didn’t budge. When I went to remove it with a makeup wipe before bed, it left a little bit of color stained on my lips which I actually enjoyed. Long wear that doesn’t dry out lips? Vinyl Cream Lip Stain rocks!

(excuse my sad, fuzzy cell phone photos- they don't do this color justice)

Overall I give this product TWO THUMBS UP! The price point is kinda high at $36 a pop, but considering how decadent YSL’s lip products are and how long they last, it’s worth it to me. I will probably go buy a couple more of them for my kit. Plus the packaging itself just makes you feel fancy putting it on :)

I received this product complimentary for testing purposes. I assure you that my opinion is honest and was not influenced by the free gift. 

Until next time beauties!

XOXO,

-A.L.

Romantic Makeup for A Styled Shoot at the Toledo Museum of Art

We had so much fun at this romantic styled bridal shoot with some of our favorite wedding vendor friends! Photographers: Adore Wedding Photography, Bridal Gown & Accessories Boutique: Belle Amour Bridal, Florals: Ann Strickland for Bartz Viviano, Model Raynisha Nicole, and hairstylist Candy Summerskill all rounded out a rockstar creative team. All photos are from Adore Wedding Photography unless otherwise noted. 

So what happens at a styled shoot you ask? 

First, the team met in downtown Toledo, Ohio at Belle Amour Bridal. The owner, Michelle McCaulla expertly chose a stunning Allure Romance gown for our model Raynisha Nicole. Then, the makeup process began (because it does take some time to look effortlessly beautiful of course). 

Photo: Amy Lewis. A pretty mess. Toledo Bridal Makeup courtesy of Makeup by Amy Lewis & Company (Amy, assisted by Emily). 

Amy started with a rose water toner, and lots of moisturizer to hydrate Raynisha's skin. Then she applied some shimmery cream shadows in various mocha and gold tones, followed by smudging some deeper brown shadows in the crease and blending the edges to create a seamless effect. She ran a black liquid liner along the waterline to define the eyes, and added a full wispy false lash to really bring out Raynisha's eyes. Amy then moved on to some color correction, and custom blended the perfect concealer and foundation for her skin tone. A vibrant pink blush and just a touch of the ultra indulgent Pat McGrath Skin Fetish highlighter stick in gold on the cheek bones helped achieve a pretty, dewy finish. Amy selectively powdered as needed and touched up Raynisha's brows with a brow powder and pencil. She pressed a pink lipstick into the lips, added a swipe of mascara and sprayed the entire face with a setting spray. Emily helped keep everything organized and clean throughout the beauty process. 

Raynisha was ready to get her hair done by hairstylist Candy Summerskill. Candy carefully weaved in a gorgeous hairpiece from Belle Amour Bridal, and braided the rest of the hair into a lovely fishtail braid. We loved how great Candy's Oribe hair products smelled as they filled the room! 

Not to mention the intoxicating aroma from the bouquet Ann Strickland of Bartz Viviano designed for us! Those flowers smelled SO good, and they looked even more amazing. The anemones stole our hearts. 

Our blushing "bride" was ready for her close up with the expertly talented duo of Adore Wedding Photography (Loren & Mary Beth). We started shooting after a rainstorm had passed through the area, so everything around the museum was very wet and lush looking as the sun started to set. The light was absolutely dreamy! 

There you have it! We hope you enjoyed these photos as much as we did. Another big thanks to everyone who contributed to this shoot! If you like what you see here, please go show them some love. Until next time!

- XOXO Amy

Fall 2016 Makeup Trends You Can Actually Wear

Our clients always want to know what’s currently “on trend.” We all know about the contouring and strobing crazes that plagued 2015 and early 2016. That’s ALL over now! (...makeup artists everywhere breathe a sigh of relief). So what’s next?? Well, the New York Fashion Week runways featured many art-forward trends for fall. We picked the most wearable looks for everyday women and we want to share them with you! You can try one or all of them- who knows, you might just find your new favorite beauty routine. 

#1. Black Eyeliner all the way around the eye.

The more worn-in looking the eyeliner is, the better! But it MUST be black. Preferably in the waterline, all around the eye on top and bottom (you can skip your inner corners if you’d like). We love L’Oreal Infallible’s 16 Hour Eyeliner in Carbon Black because it stays put, has a smudger tool on the opposite end, and is SUPER black. You can also use a cotton swab to smudge out your liner or clean up any mistakes. 

Credit: http://stylecaster.com/beauty/givenchy-khol-couture-waterproof-eye-liner-review/

#2. Almost-Black Berry Lipstick paired with a Bare Eye Look for a Modern- Gothic Vibe

This trend isn’t for the makeup shy gals out there! It’s a bold look with a lot of attitude. But if you think you can pull it off we say own it! Just make sure you look for very dark colors close to black with a hint of purple or red in them. If you close your mouth and smile as big as you can, you’ll get the cleanest, sharpest lip line possible. This lip look is so fierce, we recommend leaving the rest of your face as natural as possible (foundation, powder, mascara, and brows should do it). 

peaceloveshea.com

#3. Glitter. Eyeshadow, liner, lips, wherever you want to sparkle!

Glitter isn’t just for fabulous five year olds. And if you apply it correctly, your face won’t look like a disco ball at the end of the night either. Here’s how to work this trend like a pro…

1- It’s very important you don’t use just ANY glitter - if its going on your eye region it MUST be a cosmetic-grade glitter, such as the kind from our friends at Lit Cosmetics (they’re like the Swarovski crystals of the glitter makeup department). Using craft store glitter or other cheap glitters can result in damage and irritation to your eye, so don’t slack- look for the good stuff! 

2- You gotta glue it. Start with a glitter glue as your primer. Lit Cosmetics has a great one, or Glitter Glue from TooFaced is fantastic as well. Apply with your finger. Fill a brush with glitter, and carefully pat it on top of the primer. It will stick and stay put! For added insurance, spray a setting spray over your face like Urban Decay All Nighter. 

Credit: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/519743613218398043/

#4. Peach colors in the Fall!

Normally peach is considered a spring color, but this year we are mixing it up! Peach tones create a fresh, unexpected monochromatic tone for autumn. Pairing a peachy shadow with a peach lip and cheek makes for an effortlessly pretty look that goes with just about anything. And it shouldn’t take you longer than five minutes. Bonus points if you can find a multitasking product (lipsticks can double as cream blushes)!

Credit: http://www.prettydesigns.com/peach-makeup-ideas-spring/

#5. Stained, stamped on red lips.

Don't use a brush, put it on with your ring finger and it will look much cooler. It shouldn't look too perfect either. Deep, rich colors look best. While you can achieve this look best with an actual lipstick, you can get a similar effect with Revlon's ColorStay Kissable Balm Stains (a staple in our personal makeup bags for years!). 

There you have it - the hottest makeup trends for Fall 2016. Which one is your favorite? Drop us a comment below and tell us what you think! We bet you want to go shop for new makeup now. (P.S. We heart makeup shopping. Want to bring us with you on your next trip to Sephora or another beauty counter? Contact us for our personal consulting rates!)

Until next time. 

XOXO,

Amy