TARTE HAUL

I've never bought any makeup from Tarte Cosmetics before, so when I found out about the 30% off sale going on, I thought it the perfect opportunity to try some Tarte! The first things I knew I was going to get were the Amazonian Clay 12-hour blushes. The pigmentation of these blushes is fantastic. I just tapped my brush and used it on both my cheeks. Amazing quality.

Left: Blushing bride, Right: natural beauty

My favorite one right now is blushing bride, a rosy color with gold iridescence . It actually does give you a natural "blushing" effect. I was afraid the shimmer would be too much but it is very subtle. Natural beauty is a reddish coral, perfect for summer. I don't know yet how long wearing they are, but I've heard good things!

Tarte emphasEYES eyeliner in plum: This was the one regret purchase. This eyeliner has let me down - it is so bad. You actually have to tug at your eye when applying. The formula is not creamy at all. It's very hard to work with.

Dark Circle Defense™ Natural Under Eye Corrector: AMAZING. A big huge problem I have with most under eye products is that they sink into my fine lines. This doesn't! It melts into my skin. I love how creamy and smooth it is. I have the Eve Pearl salmon concealer I bought at IMATS that compares to this product and while I do love it, this shade (light/medium) suits my skin tone better.

For $3.50 I couldn't pass up buying some blotting sheets. A must have for just about everyone. 


Hope you enjoyed!

MAC Pro Card: How I got mine

Let me just start off by saying that the MAC Pro card is heaven-sent. When I buy things from MAC, I don't feel guilty anymore! Some prices are even better than drugstore. Who wouldn't love that?! For makeup artists, this card is especially amazing because you can build your collection without going bankrupt. The following is how I got mine (I'm a freelance makeup artist): 


STEP ONE: Go on http://macpro.com >> Download an application. Easy right? The direct link is: http://www.maccosmetics.com/docs/applications/d_201008_macpro_application_pro.pdf Print that out. *For people living in the UK, France, Australia, or Spain, find your application here: http://www.maccosmetics.com/macpro/cms/membership/howtoapply.tmpl#applications.


STEP TWO: Fill out your information at the top. Under categories and available professions, check the one that applies to you. Since I'm a freelance MUA, I checked off 'makeup artist'. 


STEP THREE: 'Professional identification': for this I included a copy of my driver's license, my business card (I ordered mine from zazzle.com) and a comp card (I got mine at vistaprint.com). A comp card is an 'oversized postcard' with about 4 pictures and the information that is on your business card. Those 4 pictures have to be pictures of people you've done makeup on. Take pictures of them wearing the looks. GOOD QUALITY ONLY (goes for everything). Borrow your friend's, mom's, or grandma's camera if you have to. Nobody likes grainy pictures. Anyways, the comp cards cost me about $16. The business cards about $20. I'm so glad I invested in these because they looked very professional! And in the end, that's what we want. This step took about a week for me because I ordered the comp cards and business cards online.


STEP FOUR: Under 'membership status,' check off 'new' since you have never had a Pro card before. 


STEP FIVE: 'Membership fee payment information': The fee if you live in the USA is $35. If you live in Canada, it is $45. You can pay with check, money order, American Express, Mastercard, or Visa. NO CASH. I paid with a money order that I bought at the USPS (United States Postal Service).


STEP SIX: Sign and date the bottom.


STEP SEVEN: Get a manila envelope and enclose your membership fee (if you paid with check or money order), your comp card, business card, copy of your driver's licence, and application. The MAC Pro website states: "You can drop everything off at any M·A·C store for forwarding or send it directly to the processing department at: M·A·C PRO MEMBERSHIP, PO Box 435, 3219 Yonge Street, Toronto, Ontario M4N 3S1. (FOR THOSE LIVING IN CANADA) OR MAC PRO MEMBERSHIP, 2316 Delaware Ave., PO Box 289, Buffalo, NY 14216-2687 (FOR PEOPLE LIVING IN THE USA).


THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW: 
1. Make-up artists receive a 40% discount. Aestheticians, Cosmetologists, Hairstylists, Fashion Stylists, Nail Technicians, Costume Designers, Models, On-Air Talent/Performers, and Photographers receive a 30% discount. 
2. Are you a freelance makeup artist? You can still apply. You don't need a fancy license or be registered at a beauty school. 
3. You cannot use the discount on limited edition packaged items or Viva Glam products. 
4. You can only use it in store or online, not at the MAC counter. 
5. You cannot use the discount on other people. 
6. You can receive discounts off such things like the Make-Up Artist Magazine, workshops, classes, events, or tuition at the Make-up Designory. 
7. I got my card in about 4 weeks


(I originally posted this on Luuux).

DIY Vanity!

IKEA is my new best friend.

Products:

• KOLJA mirror $10
• LEDING Track light $15
• VIKA AMON table top $20
• VIKA CURRY black table legs $3.50 x 4
• JEFF folding chair $10
• SKUBB storage boxes $8