I want to boost the productivity of this blog. And so I am offering a GIVEAWAY of 2 MAC Cream 12 color eyeshadow palettes. One each to two lucky winners. All you have to do is share this blog to your friends and become a subscriber. You can do this by sharing it on Facebook, Twitter, Email, on your own blog, etc. Once the blog reaches 75 subscribers I will announce the winners on the blog! So simple! Who doesn't like winning free stuff? Especially when it's makeup!! The giveaway starts, NOW! So start sharing! XOXO
PS. While you're at it, you can find me and subscribe too:
Stocking stuffers for the makeup addict is not too hard to do. We love anything with bling, shimmer, and shine. If it has a pretty color, we will love it. But below you will find my favorite pics for stocking stuffers this year. The basics for a great stocking is to make sure that it fits, it's fun, and it's really cool.
The Urban Decay NAKED Palette. Comes with 12 of their famous colors along with some limited addition ones. All are neutral tones and offer a variety of finishes. It also comes with a free eyeshadow brush and a sample size of their popular Eyeshadow Potion! The box has a slim shape can fit in most regular sized stockings. All this for only $48! Available at http://www.ulta.com/ and http://www.sephora.com/
Nail Polish. Any nail polish will really do, but think in terms of FUN. OPI has some really great colors out right now that crackle, glitter, and pop in color. China Glaze and Nicole are all good brands too. Sally Hansen is also another good choice. Metal is another finish that is hot for fall. $5-$12 each. http://www.ulta.com/ or http://www.sephora.com/
Lip Gloss. My favorite go to lipgloss is the NYX Mega Shine. There is 64 color choices and the finish is always silky and with high shine. And you really can't beat the price! NYX has so many other great affordable products such as their pigments, lip and eye liners, and false eyelashes. The best place to get them at is http://www.cherryculture.com/ for the biggest variety and they often have them on sale with free shipping if you spend $40. You can also buy NYX at Ulta stores. Regular price $5.50 each.
Brushes. This is a great small item that will get a lot of use. Get a kit with a lot of brushes and break it up to put in the stocking or buy them individually. My favorite brushes are from http://www.maccosmetics.com/ or http://www.sigmabeauty.com/. Brushes are on the expensive side, but Sigma is pretty affordable without sacrificing quality. Regular price $14-75 each.
Eyelashes. This is a really fun idea and doesn't take up a ton of space. You can get my fav eyelashes by Red Cherry at www.madamemadeline.com. They are 100% human hair, super light and have around 200 varieties. Madame Madeline also has other brands and styles to choose from. Also check out www.ebay.com for some really interesting ones such as feathers or flares. This is definitely for someone daring. Why not get a few pairs for a variety of looks? Don't forget the eyelash glue! $2-15 each.
Pigments. This is essential for the serious makeup girl. http://www.maccosmetics.com/ have amazing ones and one jar will last a lifetime. $18 each. Or try NYX Ultra Pearl Mania pigments. I have a few and I really like them. My fav colors are Mocha Pearl, and Walnut. $3 each. Find it at http://www.cherryculture.com/ or Ulta stores.
Violent Lips. These are really fun temporary tattoos for your lips and they come in a huge selection of designs. They last for up to 8 hours and contain moisturizing agents for your lips. Each set comes with 3 applications and are easy to use. Retail $9.99-14.95 each. www.violentlips.com or also found at Ulta and Sephora.
E.L.F Cosmetics. This brand is so affordable you won't believe it! Nearly everything is under $3 and you can often find it on sale with free shipping at http://www.elfcosmetics.com/. This is a perfect cheap stocking filler. They have really great brushes, false eyelashes, gift sets, lip glosses, and I love their HD powder. Get it also at Target stores.
The Urban Decay Revolution Eye Lash Curler. This revolutionary eyelash curler is different from other eyelash curlers because of the open cage design. It eliminates the crimping of the lashes that don't make it into the cage. And it fits on nearly every sized eye without pinching the skin. I use this in my makeup kit and it's a must have. Comes with 5 replacement pads too. $20. Find it at http://www.sephora.com/ and http://www.ulta.com/.
Gift Sets and Value Kits. These are really great because you get travel sized items or even full sized items at a discounted rate. You can use these kits as your stocking stuffers it you take them out of the box for your stocking. http://www.sephora.com/ has some amazing ones called their Sephora Favorites. You will find lip products, bestsellers, mascaras, and fragrances. All of the kits are under $75 and you get a ton of product!
Skin Care. Provided you know what your gift receiver's skin type is then you can choose this as an option. Skin care gift sets are an excellent value. My favorite and the one I use is the Mary Kay Time Wise Miracle Set. It comes with everything you need, cleanser, day and night solution and a moisturizer for only $90. http://www.marykay.com/. You can also find great skin care sets at http://www.ulta.com/ and http://www.sephora.com/.
Ornaments with perfume and makeup by Victoria's Secret. Who could want more than an adorable ornament that is filled with mini stuff? Each for only $10 and found at http://www.victoriassecret.com/
Sephora Sparkle Pop Up Brush. This limited edition pop up brush by Sephora fits perfectly in your purse. When you open it up it features a mirror and a brush. When closed it's a blinged out compact. Perfect for the girl who loves a bit of sparkle! $8 http://www.sephora.com/
Marc Jacobs Solid Perfume Jewelry. These super cute pieces of jewelry open up to reveal a solid perfume by Marc Jacobs. Available in bracelets and rings this is a great stocking stuff. For the modern, flirtatious and fun! http://www.sephora.com/ $40-42 each.
\
Sephora Boo Boo Bling. This is a really fun way to deck out your bandage! Add bling to your band aid for a bit of sparkle and fun. $6 each. http://www.sephora.com/
Beauty Blender. This is the first sponge of it's kind that is not only aerodynamic but it is Eco friendly too. Designed to be cleaned with the cleanser that it comes with, you are never throwing away sponges again. And helping the environment in the meantime! The Beauty Blender also comes with an instruction disc so that you can master the technique in no time! $34.95. Found at http://www.sephora.com/.
Myrabelle Mascara Shield. Are you constantly getting mascara on your lids or on the skin in your lower lash line? Then this handy little tool, used by makeup artists, can help you to avoid that. This tool is also good for catching fall out from glitter and eyeshadows. $8.99 found at http://www.paintandpowderstore.com/
Gift Certificates. Don't know what exactly to get but you know where she likes to shop? Get a gift certificate! Now a days these are offered by nearly every store in a small cute scannable card. Why not do a themed stocking. Like a spa day one. Give her a gift certificate for a makeover, massage, pedi/mani, to Sephora and include a few things that go along with the theme. Like fluffy cozy socks, or any of the items above. She will love to go shopping and extend the excitement of the gift! And hit the after Christmas sales!
My Holiday Gift Certificates are here! And I am doing special wrapping just for the holidays! Gift certificates are great for the girl that has everything or you want to get something that is extra special and unique. Here are some Gift Certificate ideas: 1 Hr Private Lesson $65. Perfect for anyone that wants to learn about makeup at any level and any age.
Makeup Application $45, add $10 for False eyelashes. Know someone that is going to the prom or winter formal soon? A bridesmaid? Something special for an anniversary?
Bridal Makeup $85 for the bride and $45 for each member of the wedding party. $10 for false eyelashes per person. This is great if you want to get something helpful and special for that gorgeous bride to be! Additional fees may be incurred. Please call for a bridal quote.
Workshops $125- $225 for up to 5 people. This is great for that teen who wants to host a workshop/ party for her and her friends. What a fun way to learn about the latest trends and impress her Friends! This is also great for adults that want to have a fun girl's night in!
Girl's night out $180 for up to 4 people. Includes makeup application on up to 4 people before the ladies hit the town in style! False eyelashes can be included for $10 per person.
Goody bag and a lesson! Pricing will vary, please get a quote. This is perfect if you have no idea what to get but you know your wife/ daughter/ girlfriend etc likes makeup. I will hand pick eyeshadows, lipstick, liners, skin care, primers etc. Whatever you want in your budget. And gift wrap it along with a gift certificate for a 1 hour lesson to learn how to use it all. Products have to be ordered, so notice is encouraged.
Gift Certificates can be custom made based on what you would like to do. Call or message me for more information and ideas.
*Each Gift Certificate is wrapped in a natural brown handled bag with a professional business sticker and playful tissue paper. Style may differ depending on the occasion.
Extras: I can include brand new products from MAC cosmetics, Mary Kay and Make Up Forever at the retail price. I will do the leg work for you. You can tell me what to include or I can help you with that. This is helpful especially for those hubby's out there:)
**Please note that I offer services in the Folsom CA area. Weddings can be arranged for travel. Everything else is in my home studio.
Christmas time is just around the corner and I have already been hearing the sounds of Christmas music in the stores. This year you are buying a gift or gifts for maybe your Mom, your Sister, your Girlfriend, Wife, friend, etc. Or maybe for yourself? Basically someone who loves makeup and beauty and it seems that she has everything. Or you don't know the first thing about it. Well I am writing this article for you! This will be a series post that will talk about my favorite things that are available now and where to buy them:
Getting More for your Moola! - Gift sets and getting the most for your money. Stocking Stuffers - The best little things to fit in a stocking.
Impact Gifts - For when you want to splurge for that special someone, and I guarantee she will freak!!!! Gift Certificates - What to get and where to get them.
So ladies, when these posts come out. Forward them to your men in your life. This will help them out!
I am mostly going to send you to an online retailer. Even though you can go to a physical store. I have found that online retailers offer even better deals and free shipping then what is available in the stores. But by all means if you don't like shopping online. Go to the store if they have a store front. But to me nothing is more fun then getting something in the mail! OK, so here we go with the first blog!
Get More for Your Moola! Gift sets and getting the most for your money:
This time of year there is never a shortage of gift ideas. And all of the makeup brands start rolling out special deals and gift sets. But not all brands and sets are created equal. Here are my TOP picks for quality, value, and biggest impression.
Stilla's Holiday Dream in Full Color Palette. 29 Eyeshadow shades, 7 cheek colors, and a full sized smudge stick waterproof liner in Stingray. It is displayed like a beautiful flower in a circular palette. So pretty and has "Wow" factor. Valued at $300, get it for only $39! http://www.ulta.com/ and http://www.sephora.com/
Smashbox's Be Discovered Holiday Palette. 65 shades of color for eyes, cheeks and lips. All wrapped up in a sleek red box with a pull out tray. It also includes 3 brushes. Valued at $300, get it for $60. Exclusive for http://www.ulta.com/
BH Cosmetics 120 Color Palettes. You can pretty much bet that any palette from BH Cosmetics is going to be a winner. But in particular their 120 color palettes are the best value. They come in 4 different additions, have a huge range of highly pigmented color, and are in a sleek black case. Why not get all 4 and really surprise her? These are often on sale during the holiday season pretty consistently and they offer free shipping on orders over $50. Regularly $29.95-34.95. http://www.bhcosmetics.com/
MAC Cosmetics Ice Parade Bags and Kits. 10 kits total to pick from, ranging from lips, to brushes, to eyeshadows. All perfectly arranged to compliment each other. Also be on the look out for their holiday special edition gift sets. They have not released them yet. But they usually offer a variety of travel sized products in pretty packaging. If they have a variety set of pigments, run out and get those as fast as you can! Retail $36-49.50. http://www.maccosmetics.com/ or Nordstom stores.
Sigma Brushes Premium Travel Kit. This set contains Sigma's most luxurious and essential brushes all wrapped up in a stylish brush roll perfect for travel or for home. There are 4 colors to choose from, silver, black, hot pink and light pink. Each one has 7 of their most popular brushes and the basics for any makeup look. $59 http://www.sigmabeauty.com/
Sephora by OPI Glimmer Wonderland 18pc Mini Nail Colour Set. OMG 18 mini sizes of OPI's fabulous nail colors are sure to fit any mood. It includes some of their bestsellers, trend shades, and basics. So much fun! $84 value, get it for $48. http://www.sephora.com/
Sephora Favorites. Now, there is a bunch of these available at http://www.sephora.com/. Some focus on lips, mascaras, fragrances, or bestsellers. But if you don't know the brand she uses, this is a great option. Each kit features Sephora's brands that they carry in the store in sample sizes. It's a great opportunity to try something new! All under $75.
Two Faced In Your Dreams Makeup Collection. This palette definitely has the "wow" factor with all the Victorian and pin up style design. It contains a total for 3 different looks. But I am sure you could create more! It has 9 eyeshadows, 3 blushes, and 3 lipshades. And it also has 3 complete step by step face charts to help you create the looks! Valued at $155, get it for only $39! http://www.sephora.com/
LORAC Bejeweled Day and Night Jewelry Box. This beautiful jewelry box is filled with product. It includes to palettes of eyeshadows for day and night looks, 2 high shine lip glosses, bronzing powder, and 2 eyeliners. Valued at $415, get it for $56. http://www.sephora.com/
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eye pencil Travel Set of 5. There are two options available, one with more natural colors, and one with fun colors. Either way, it's a steal! I would prefer the Electric one because you don't use these colors on a regular basis so a travel size is just right. Normally a full size pencil is $18 and this whole set is $32. http://www.sephora.com/ or http://www.ulta.com/
Check out my Professional Makeup Artist site! Happy Holidays!!!
Don't forget your gift certificates this year for the Holidays or for any occasion! Makeup Artistry Gift Certificates make great gifts for the girl who has everything or loves something unique. It's not just for Birthday's or for the Holidays! Think Engagements, Anniversary's, Promotions, Sweet 16, Quincineras, Prom, Weddings, Date Night, Just Because, and More! Here are some ideas:
1 Hr Private Lesson $65. Perfect for anyone that wants to learn about makeup at any level and any age.
Makeup Application $45, add $10 for False eyelashes. Know someone that is going to the prom or winter formal soon? A bridesmaid? Something special for an anniversary?
Bridal Makeup $85 for the bride and $45 for each member of the wedding party. $10 for false eyelashes per person. This is great if you want to get something helpful and special for that gorgeous bride to be! Additional fees may be incurred. Please call for a bridal quote.
Workshops $125- $225 for up to 5 people. This is great for that teen who wants to host a workshop/ party for her and her friends. What a fun way to learn about the latest trends and impress her Friends! This is also great for adults that want to have a fun girl's night in!
Girl's night out $180 for up to 4 people. Includes makeup application on up to 4 people before the ladies hit the town in style! False eyelashes can be included for $10 per person.
Goody bag and a lesson! Pricing will vary, please get a quote. This is perfect if you have no idea what to get but you know your wife/ daughter/ girlfriend etc likes makeup. I will hand pick eyeshadows, lipstick, liners, skin care, primers etc. Whatever you want in your budget. And gift wrap it along with a gift certificate for a 1 hour lesson to learn how to use it all. Products have to be ordered, so notice is encouraged.
Gift Certificates can be custom made based on what you would like to do. Call or message me for more information and ideas.
*Each Gift Certificate is wrapped in a natural brown handled bag with a professional business sticker and playful tissue paper. Style may differ depending on the occasion.
Extras: I can include brand new products from MAC cosmetics, Mary Kay and Make Up Forever at the retail price. I will do the leg work for you. You can tell me what to include or I can help you with that. This is helpful especially for those hubby's out there:)
**Please note that I offer services in the Folsom CA area. Weddings can be arranged for travel. Everything else is in my home studio.
A few weeks ago E.L.F Cosmetics was offering 50% off their already amazing prices. I used it as an excuse to get a Haul! I spent $70 including shipping and it was simply amazing how much stuff I got. You can purchase E.L.F at Target stores or online at http://www.elfcosmetics.com/. Target sells it at the regular price with limited selection, so it's worth it to get online and see everything E.L.F has to offer. I purchased a ton of stuff so I can't possibly review every piece here, but I will tell you my must haves and the overall opinion of the brand.
The biggest stand out product was the HD powder. It was only $3 before discount and stands up to the spend $30 Makeup Forever HD powder. Use this powder sparingly and it looks great on every skin color and type. It also gives a soft, not matte look. It looks beautiful in person and on camera.
The pressed powder products such as eye shadows and blushes are not very pigmented and have alot of fall out. But if you work with it and layer you can end up getting a good result. For the price it is fun to have some of the colors on hand. Especially the blushes, which had a great rage in colors.
The loose powders like the pigments and matte eye shadows are VERY pigmented and go a long way, so use sparingly to avoid over doing it. I also love the matte eye shadows to use as a eyeliner. They have a slightly creamy texture and really adhere to the skin. This is a great product, I just wish there were more options in colors.
The lipstains claim to be long lasting, but they didn't hold up like the MAC Prolong Wear. But for the price, again, it held up good enough. With a nice range of colors, Red Carpet paired with MAC's Cherry liner being my hands done favorite red color of the season!
Since the eyelashes were synthetic I didn't really want to try them. But I am glad I did. They felt light and natural and 2 pairs for only $3 felt great! And for a limited time you can get some super fun feathered lashes in 3 different colors at a steal.
E.L.F carries a really nice line of brushes in both their Essential and Studio lines. Get them all, they are worth it.
Overall I felt that this line was pretty good. Everything was under $3 each before my discount. If you catch one of their sales, which is frequent, I say you get a ton of stuff and have some fun with it! You won't be disappointed.
Get an E.L.F. Cosmetics makeup look by viewing this video tutorial:
Hi everyone! It's been some time since I have edited a video and posted here on my blog. I am still pretty active on my facebook so visit there for daily tips, going on's and mini thoughts. I have been in the very long process of branding my business. I had no idea how much work it really is. The biggest hurdle I have concurred is my brand new website!!! If you haven't seen it, check it out now! www.michellekinkaidmakeup.com. I have a tab at the top called Bella Brides that takes you to a separate site just for my brides.
I am so excited about this. Someday I will get a new logo, I made these myself, along with the entire website. Not too shabby. I had a great summer of photo shoots and weddings to include in my portfolio and I am so grateful for the opportunity to work and be creative. It was a fab summer!
Next up is the revamp of my blog and my YouTube Channel. I want everything to be cohesive. I'm doing all the graphic work myself so it's a slow process. So I will let you all know when the changes have been made.
I still plan on posting tutorials. I actually have several taped, just need to be edited. I will be squeezing those in as I am revamping my business. The goal is to have everything streamlined and offer you tutorials, advice or news everyday.
Anyway, I hope you all had an amazing summer and are looking forward to Fall. I sure am! I hope you like the new site. Share with me your thoughts, I'd love to hear from you!
I am a Wife, Mother, Makeup Artist and lover of all things fancy and pretty. I hope to inspire woman to tap into their natural creativity and experiment and have fun.
