Mally: Celebrate Your Beauty

It's the most wonderful time of year....because it's holiday beauty gift time;)

Bam! Taaaa daaa- this kit even makes a professional make-up artist like myself squeal with glee! The lipcolors, evercolor liners & shadows are paired color wise for easily breaking up the collection into 3 separate gifts.

High Shine Liquid Lipsticks in Mally Melon (L), Petal to the Metal(C) & Mauvelous (R.)

Evercolor Eyeliners in Shimmering Black (L), Royal Plum (C) & Expresso (R.)

The individual shadow compacts are adorbs!

Palettes Romantic Brown (T), Radiant Taupe (M), & Royal Plum (B.)

Here I am sporting the Radiant Taupe shadow palette, the Mally Melon Lipcolor & Mally Volumizing Mascara from the collection. I've waxed poetic about her mascara for years- 3 of those alone is worth the price of admission. I'm also wearing her highlighter & Dream Brow(yes in Taupe & yes it's super dreamy!) Friday the 13th can't be that bad, as that's when this Todays Special Value launches & it is amazing.

Peace. Love. Lipgloss.

The Luxe List: QVC Beauty Christmas Advent Calendar

So my discovery of probably the most fun holiday beauty gift this year began when I got my Goddaughters advent calenders. My thought was that selfishly they would have to think of me once a day for 25 days- I like to be on their minds, since they live out of state;) Then I saw Benefit's Countdown to Love Calender & thought why not get their mom an advent treat, too! Unfortunately it was sold out everywhere I checked.

So imagine my delight when I spotted QVC's very own Beauty Christmas Advent Calender online. Yes, it's a bit pricey at regularly $96. However, it's at an event price now of $78.96 & this sucker is huge! It's substantial in size & makes a great impression straight out of the box.

It honestly took a lot of strength not to keep it for myself. It was so tempting to sneak a peek into the numbered doors, but I quickly wrapped it. I think it's just a fun way of transfering that holiday childhood delight to us adults. My Bestie promised she would text me a pic of her beauty treat everyday so I can live vicariously through her (hint hint Santa.)

I actually think this offering is even better than Benefit's in terms of gift giving, because it features so many different brands: Bliss, Fresh, Ole Henriksen, Philosphy, Dr. Perricone, Dr. Denise, Nick Chavez, Stila, Tarte, Mally, Julep- the list goes on & on! Great for sisters, besties, daughters- I wanted to give you as much time as possible in case you wanted to grab one for gifting & send it on its way. Can you believe December is going to be here in a few days!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss.

Sugar Skull Halloween Make-up

Happy Halloween Beauties! As a professional make-up artist, I must admit Halloween is second only to Christmas in my heart. Sometimes it's even better since it's without as much stress;)

I know Sugarskull make-up has been popular to do this year- I decided to join the band wagon, as I've always loved the look. Since my skin is acne prone & rather sensitive, I stuck with make-up products I already had on hand versus theatrical make-up. It's really helpful to outline your plan of action with eyeliners. I did a white circle around my face with Prestige's white eyeliner, then went with Mally's Peacock Feathers liner to outline my eyes. I painted a thicker application of with my normal foundation, just 2 shades lighter in tone within the lines with a brush. I set it with a shimmery white eyeshadow. I then filled in the eye area with Tarte's Aqualillies Amazonian Clay Waterproof liner in Splash (limited edition summer 2013.)

With Make-Up For Ever's AquaEyes pencil liner in Matte Black I drew the spiderweb + cross on my forehead & drew in my nose.

I also drew the scars on my cheeks, then went in with Bobbie Brown's black gel liner for thinner slits across the mouth. I figured it would have more staying power as I would be having cocktails!

The final steps involved drawing my chin in with the Mally liner & then applying crystals. I curled my hair with the amazing Conair Infinity Rotating iron I posted about a while back & jammed some roses in my do. Voila! Happy Halloween Beauties! xxoo

Mally Sneak Peek: Easy on the Eyes

In just a few hours, everyone's favorite make-up maven Mally Roncal will be unveiling her new TSV for QVC- her Easy on the Eyes Collection. I have been chomping at the bit to get my hands on the In the Buff 2 option shown above.  Featuring 11 neutral eyeshadows & eye primer in the scene stealing palette, the kit also in includes a dual ended shadow brush, 3 Evercolor Starlight Waterproof eyeliners (Midnight, Dark Chocolate & Dusty Plum), her Perfect Prep Under Eye Brightener in Lighter & the beloved mascara I wear every day- her Volumizing Mascara in Black.

For those more adventurous, the I Love Color option, featuring a bolder shadow palette is right up your alley. If you haven't tried Mally Beauty, this is a great sampler set to experiment with. Making its debut tonight at midnight for under $50, it's a steal of a deal when comparing it to the well known Urban Decay Nakeds palette that's $50 on its own. Will you let your eyes have it? I think you deserve it!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss.

Must Have Make-Up Monday: Mally Dream Brow

Often in Files from the Brow Whisperer, you'll see the before & after of just my waxing. For people who have never filled in their brows before, I then give them a tutorial on how doing so enhances their new shape in their initial visit. People with any color hair can benefit from filling in their brows- it subtly pulls everything together & gives a lift to the eye area.

Often I stick with powders, as I feel like they look more natural & are easier for my clients to use versus pencils. That being said, Mally Beauty just launched a product called Ultimate Performance Dream Brow, which since I'd like to think I create dream brows- I wanted to get my hands on!

It's a cream, but very soft in texture, almost a whipped consistency. The brush that it comes with is actually awesome- a spooly on one side to groom into place & then a nice angled brush to fill in on the other side, that is just the right firmness. The product's texture helps keep my brows in place without being crunchy, which as I'm getting older I need as my brows are getting more unruly. This texture is also great for those without a lot of hair, as it will adhere to the skin more effectively than powder. For those who are nervous about using a product with more intensity pigment wise, I always suggest going with a taupe option, which is usually offered in most brands. I have jet black brows & I'm wearing taupe- it's a very universal brow shade. See, you can't even really put your finger on it, but my brows look better- exactly what a brow product should do. So go on & kick your brows up a notch!

Peace. Love. Brow Whisperer.

New Beauty, New You QVC Event

If you're anything like me during awards season you inhale the beauty & fashion that surrounds us. I like to watch the red carpet & just absorb everything before the actual awards show even begins. Even as a professional make-up artist & esthetician I love watching other experts in my field.  When you're passionate about something, you always want to learn more.  So a new countdown begins, starting at 11:00 PM this evening I will be in my comfy pjs, with a glass of vino in hand watching QVC's New Beauty, New You 25 hour beauty event.  Yes, I'm telling myself I will show some restraint! However, I already have my eye on this Vitality Lip Flush Lipstick Butter Trio from IT Cosmetics, because my poor pucker could use some serious hydration this time of year. I love cosmetics that also offer skincare benefits.

Speaking of hydration, now that I'm adding color into the equation of blow drying & flat ironing- my hair has been looking a little thirsty as of late. Wen's Trio of Treatment Oils for hair & skin has my name written all over it!  

Keep a look out for my much adored Mally of Mally Beauty to be making an appearance featuring some new sets, too- like this Gorgois In a Minute Color Crayon Collection. Lately I've been all about chubby make-up pencils, I call them my lazy beauty essentials they're so easy to use. Perfect for Sundays, when you're lacking motivation to get pretty;) This cute collection has your whole face covered in one kit! Take a look here at all the loot QVC is offering for the event, tell me what's on your lust list?

Peace. Love. Lipgloss.

Take a Peek Inside My Beauty Bag

So tonight at the spa, Dr Noelle Sherber, Dr. Ariel Rad & yours truly will be talking in depth about what celebrities really do to stay looking so young & fabulous. While I will be explaining chemical peels, dishing make-up tips & tricks, as well as giving brow guidance -even I am excited to hear the break downs in terms of laser, injectables & other procedures Hollywood's elite turn to! As promised after showing you Dr. Sherber's make-up bag last week, here's a glimpse into mine(though it varies color wise.) I found it very interesting to see how different the contents are due to our skin types being at total opposite ends of the spectrum. Having oily skin that's prone to break outs, I try to touch my face the least amount possible throughout the day. That's why the majority of my products are lip related & hence the name of this blog!

From Bottom:
Bobbi Brown High Shimmer Lip Gloss in Naked Plum:
An impulse buy while strolling through Saks, this isn't so much plum- rather a pretty shimmery pink. The color of my lips, but better & with more sparkle.

Paul & Joe Limited Edition Lip Gloss 002:
No longer available(don't beat me) this gloss adds almost a soft veil of pixie dust to the lips- gorgeous alone or for adding extra dimension.

Paul & Joe Eye Gloss N 01:
Though Paul & Joe Eye Glosses currently only come in duo options, they are my favorite pick- me- up to place a little candlelight on my lid. I always reach for it when freshening up to go out to dinner straight from work.

Make-Up For Ever Aqua Lip 2C:
A great neutral color that I fill my entire lip with in the AM. It packs some serious staying power.

Cle De Peau Beaute Touche de Rouge 129:
Though the price tag of this line is hard to swallow, this balm like lip product gives a sheer wash of color that feels like butter on the lips!

Mally Liquid Lip Color in Mally's Look:
This color is the perfect semi opaque nude to go with an intense smokey eye. Normally that takes several different products to create- Mally nails it with just one!

Becca Glossy Lip Tint in Island Dream:
Soft & iridescent this shade is perfectly named. A little birdie told me it's soon to be discontinued- so scoop it up now if you're intrigued!

Lorac Couture Shine in Elite:
A surprise hit that came in a kit, this shade is a pinky nude that's semi opaque & full of high shine. Another great pairing for a strong eye.

Joey New York AntiOxidant Super E Lip Pencil:
Another tease, as this pencil is discontinued. This product was a best seller before the line went under. I bought as many as I could get my hands on, since it is the perfect nude lip pencil ever:(

Yves Saint Laurent Golden Gloss 19:
A die hard fan of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills & anything Bravo TV related, I had to have the same divinely smelling peach gloss Adrienne Maloof plumps her pucker with.

Guerlain Natural Shine 661:

I scooped this up after a spa day at The Breakers. This sheer pink tint is gorgeous on its own or as a building block.

Lorac 3D Liquid Lustre:
Another intense shimmering product that I use to add omphh to my eyes with a simple patting of my finger.

Paul & Joe Botting Papers:
I am never without my blotting papers! Gently pressed against my T zone, they are perfect for removing excess shine, while keeping my make-up intact.

Wow- no wonder my purse is so heavy! Full disclosure, I'm also never without a tube of Aquaphor. A lot of these products I've done posts about in the past- so try the search box for more info on a particular one.

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Must Have Make-Up Monday: Mally

I'm not proud of this, but often during my holiday shopping I did a little of 'one for me, one for you.' Does that ever happen to you? You find the perfect little something for someone & realize you have to have one yourself? Of course that was the case when I was flipping through Henri Bendel's Holiday Catalog & spotted this Mally collection. How could I resist all of that perfection in pink that is known as the More Perfect Palette?

I will be the first to admit I lose all rational when it comes to make-up, so cost isn't always the top factor in my acquisitions- unless it's way out of my league. However, I must say I was floored at what a great value this kit was at only $65!

This palette has already traveled with me to NYC in 2012 & is now in Florida with me at this very moment. Due to its versatility, it's perfect for travel. Two blushes complete your needs as to cool undertones & warm undertones. Six shadows have you covered from day to night, as well. An eyeshadow primer-you know I can't be without one, an all over luminizer, 3 brushes & a petal soft gloss round out the mix. I say run, don't walk to make it yours!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Fabulous Finds Friday: Stocking Stuffer Edition

Let's face it- the holidays aren't cheap. Never mind you the joys of Christmas music, decorating & cookie baking- crossing everybody off your list really adds up & doesn't my VISA bill know it! My favorite part of presents is unwrapping the little treasures nestled deep into the needlepoint stocking my mom made for me. Now that I'm a grown-up too(that could be up for debate) we all pitch in on the stockings. Those little treats get expensive. Here are some great ideas, that you can break up into stocking stuffers or little gifts for girlfriends & coworkers. I always like to take advantage of value sets offered around the holidays & break them up. This Mally Deluxe Automatic Waterproof Liner Collection has 10 pencils for $50- that's a great deal at $5 a piece!
This Stila Holiday Lip Glaze set has 8 minis(still an ample amount, but not full size.) It's only $25- breaking down to an unbelievable $3.25 per gloss!

I received this all natural Biggs & Featherbelle body sampler set from a girlfriend recently- it's like a clown car full of body treats! Seriously packed inside are 18 soap samples, 2 lip balms, 3 bath salt samples, 2 milk salt samples, 5 body scrub samples & a partridge in a pear tree! Just kidding about the last part, but if you break up the set- you could have three stockings or 3 gifts easily completed for under $24!

I'm actually not one for hand creams, but in the winter my hands get especially dry with all the hand washing in between seeing clients. This travel Juara hand cream transports me to somewhere tropical, while the candlenut oil deeply hydrates & smells divine! I keep one on my desk & one in my purse- it's an affordable little luxury at $10

I read about these EcoTools brushes (I think) in Lucky Magazine & they're a steal! They feel amazing & are cruelty free to boot! Again with these, I would break up the kit & wrap them individually for more wow factor. Getting kabuki brushes for under $4 is pretty much unheard of- as is this line. They're found at Target, though you might have to search for them. I asked a salesperson who said they didn't carry it, then I found them. Grab them while you can as they're limited edition. What are you're favorite little treats to unwrap under the tree?

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Fabulous Finds Friday

It's no secret that I think Miss Mally Roncol is about the cutest thing out there. When I met her{seriously it was like meeting my idol she's so talented} she was just as warm & bubbly as she is on TV. My go to mascara for the last three years is Mally's Volumizing Mascara- it. is. da. bomb. Plain & simple- you can just keep layering & layering the product until you have Bambi lashes. When Mally puts together a Today's Special Value kit & my beloved mascara is in it- that's all the justification I need to scoop it up! This puppy is already ordered & on it's way to me! Since fall wedding season is upon, I'm eager to try her new long wearing lunches from her Face Defender collection. I will report back to you Beauties- have a great weekend!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

The Glammies

Happy New Years beauties! Can you believe how quickly this year flew bye? So many beauty products, so little time. Speaking of time, it's time for my annual Glammies Awards, where I pick out the products that have impressed me the most this year. While not a new launch, Paul & Joe Beaute's Eye Gloss is like Tinkerbell's Magic Wand to moi! Normally I would shy away from anything creamy on my lids since I have such oily skin. This product imparts the most angelic, Celestial(which is my favorite shade) glow when gently patted on the lid. Anyone I show it to falls in love with it & you can't beat its ease of use!

Revlon's PhotoReady Foundation is my new go to everyday foundation personally & professionally. I have every shade in my kit & always turn to it for brides. The light texture doesn't break me out, gives great coverage & is specially formulated with light reflecting pigments to ensure it photographs well. It's a steal at just under $14, but often you can find it on sale. I wear shade 003, with a dollop of 004 in it.

I use my foundation with the Beauty Blender Sponge. I'll be honest, I bought this once before & never read the instructions, so I wasn't that impressed for a $20 sponge. Yes there are instructions, you dampen the sponge with water and pat it on your face with your foundation and pure magic happens. A flawless, airbrush like quality can be achieved with any liquid foundation that makes it worth every penny.

Yes it looks borderline neon pink, but both the Powder Pink & Peony shades of blush from Bobbie Brown give the most lovely "just came in from the cold" flush. I turn to these shades so much when I'm doing cool toned looks, think smokey grey on the eyes, that I've hit pan.

Nothing will ever replace my beloved Joey Antioxidant Lip Pencil (RIP), but I have come to grips that I need to move on & start dating again. Who's the latest to woo me? Too Faced's Perfect Lips Lip Pencil. It has a beautiful soft natural lip tone color that's the perfect base for gloss & lipstick. If you are familiar with the Joey lip pencil, this one has more pink undertones.

Last year Make Up For Ever's HD Powder took the slot for finishing powder in the 2009 Glammies. This year it's Mally's Poreless Perfection Skin Finisher. It goes on like air & is the perfect finishing touch to set your make-up. The first day I wore it, literally 3 people commented on what gorgeous skin I had- score! Note: it does have silica in it, but it has not broken me out at all the way some primers with silicone have in the past.
So tell me girleens, what new product made you swoon this year? I'm dying to know, I might need it:) I hope everyone has an amazing 2011!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

HBA Expo

I was up in NYC for the Heath & Beauty Expo last week. Guess who I ran into the first day girleens?!?! None other than the fabulous, adorable, spunky Mally of Mally Beauty! She couldn't have been any nicer- seriously it was so refreshing to meet a celebrity who exceeded my expectations! It was a great way to start to a jam packed calender.
Days were filled researching & with conferences. Sorry for the lovely photo quality, but there was poor lighting in this conference. That curly haired social media maven with slightly possessed flash eyes is non other than Karen Robinovitz creator of Purple Lab. She was so inspiring in her talks of how social media played an integral part in launching her make-up line(a dream of mine!)

But of course Partner in Crime & I found the time to have some girl time! I annoy her so always making her take photos:) We went to Dos Caminos (Jennifer Aniston is a fan) for homemade guacamole and cucumber & mango margaritas the first night. Delish!

The second night we went to my absolute fav- Spice Market. I am obsessed! Of course I called my NYC girls to come join- here's Leah, the amazing national artist for Paul & Joe Beaute. So talented, make sure my local beauties mark their calenders for December 2nd, 3rd & 4th when she's in town for La Papillon's holiday weekend!

I also finally got to connect with one of my BFF's (gorgeous) sisters, Saree while up in the city. She's such a beauty inside & out! We had an amazing time over cherry blossom mojitos!

There's nothing like good friends- yes?

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Mally Must Have

I really should block any sort of shopping channel from my TV. I have no will power whatsoever! The adorable Mally was on QVC the other night & I was so intrigued by the brush in this Eyelift shadow kit- I had to order it.

I really have never seen anything like it. At one end is a hard ball with a velour type fabric over it, the other side is a standard blender. You load the contour/darker shadow on the ball & it's shape allows it to fit perfectly into the contours of the crease of your eye. You then blend it out with the fluffy side of the brush dipped in the lighter shade. For people who struggle with placement when contouring eyes- this really is an ingenious little tool! I ordered the taupe kit & the shadows are great neutrals that I would use even without the brush. I will post close-ups of it when I get a new camera. Speaking of, I dropped mine today & it does not look like it will make it. Which means I need to get a new one tomorrow before I head up to NYC this weekend. I would appreciate suggestions as to your favorites with make & model STAT!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Make-Up Must Have Monday

I'm like a mad scientist when I work (ahem & play) with make-up. When applying my every day look you can find a hodge podge of varying concealers & powders covering my hand. For a wedding or a shoot- the products start to travel down to my arm! Mally's new Liquid Light is the perfect new ingredient for my concoctions! It's almost like I'm cooking up a new look & this is my secret spice. Just a little sprinkle in the cap & you're whipping up a glam look.

There is a magical feel to this eyeshadow & it does remind me a little of Prescriptive's Magic powder in terms of sensation when you put it on. It goes on like cool silk against the lid. The powder transforms into almost a liquid when you apply it, then it dries back down to a powder offering great staying power.

It really is such fun to play with & offers buildable intensity- you can start off sheer, then add more & head for smokey town! Here is the plum shade, but it also comes in mint green & brown shades (the brown has my name all over it!)

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M