Finally Indigo

This is so awesome! Too excited for next ones!

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 20:48:23 -0500

This is so awesome! Too excited for next
ones!

Sweeet this is so interesting! Cant wait for the next batch!

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 15:38:27 -0500

Sweeet this is so interesting! Cant wait for the next batch!

Sweeet this is so cool! Im excited for the next batch!

Sun, 25 Nov 2012 11:33:40 -0500

Sweeet this is so cool! Im excited for the next batch!

WE HAVE MOVED

Sat, 05 Feb 2011 15:44:55 -0500

Finally Indigo has moved to a new server. Most of the posts remain intact, although have housekeeping has been done to remove extraneous or no longer relevant posts from the blog. Check it out by clicking the link below, and go there for all future posts and updates. Thank you!

Finally Indigo

Well, the New Site is Up

Wed, 02 Feb 2011 09:56:53 -0500

As the title says, the new site is up. It’s still in “beta”, meaning I have a bit more organization and posting to do before it’s all finished (a lot of that is going to be adding pictures to posts…)

If you’d like to check it out, click here.

Stage One - Finished

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 16:49:44 -0500

The first stage of my blog migration is finished. All I have left to do is move over all of the user questions (there are a lot…) and I’ll be done. The new blog should be up by Friday. Thanks for holding on!

Moving to a New Server

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 13:28:00 -0500

So, I’ve decided to leave tumblr and move to a Wordpress server. Tumblr simply has too many issues and not enough customizing ability for what I want to be doing. Unfortunately, I’m only able to import posts that I created, not posts that are responses to your questions. So, to solve this, over the next few days I’ll be resposting all guest questions on my new server, which will also give new readers a chance to catch up on what’s been going on here. When I’m finished, I’ll post a link, and hopefully all of you can gracefully make the transition to my new site. I promise you, it’ll be worth it. I’ll be refraining from posting on here for the next few days to give me some time to work this all out. As well, I’ll be carrying over current questions on here to my new blog, so don’t fear if you’ve sent me a question and it hasn’t been answered yet. It will be.

And yet, this is a really good thing. Now that midterms are over, I have a lot more free time, which means that I’m looking at being a lot more professional in my blogging. I’m hoping to start doing anywhere from 3-5 posts daily, and as I’ve already mentioned, I got a new camera to support this cause. My goal is to also do at least one video a week for now, and hopefully ramp up that number once I really get going.

I thank you all so much for your continued support of my blog, and hope that this change doesn’t create a problem for any of you. If you have any questions or comments about this, please feel free to leave them below, and I will answer them as quickly as I can.

I was wondering what you think of blue mascaras. I know they're supposed to brighten up your eyes. I LOVE wearing blue liners & shadows because of this effect, but I'm wary of blue mascara as I'm afraid I'll wind up looking clownish. What's your opinion of them?

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 10:35:48 -0500

I love ‘em. I can’t say that I use them often (as most of my work is for photoshoots using HD cameras…), but I do think they’re fantastic. Most of the ones you’ll find aren’t like bam-blue! They’re more of a subtle, navy to cobalt shade that will really only appear blue when they catch the light. But just like blue eyeliner making eyes look brighter and blue tinted lip gloss making teeth look whiter, blue mascara will definitely make your peepers look fresh and awake.

Also, blue is a great choice if you don’t want to go so dramatic with black, but want something with a bit more oomph than a natural. Just make sure to eliminate all clumping with this stuff, as that is when it can start to look a bit clownish.

If you’re afraid of transitioning to blue, try this tip: apply your regular black or nude mascara, and then dab the wand of a blue mascara just on the tips of your upper eyelashes. You’ll get a cool, yet rather subtle transitional effect, and can see how blue mascara might work with your eyes without committing to it fully.

I've been having an issue with my eye makeup fading throughout the day. I've tried Urban Decay's Primer Potion which doesn't work at all for me and lately I've been trying Nars Smudgeproof Eyeshadow base, which has been working better than the Urban Decay one, but still not great. My shadows are essentially gone by my second period at school. I have extremely dry skin though, so the idea of having oily eyelids seems strange to me, but I don't know. Any tips?

Sun, 30 Jan 2011 21:15:49 -0500

First off, try the Too Faced Shadow Insurance, which I think is the best mainstream eye primer available. Second, try layering your products. Start with a primer, then a cream product, then a powder. Pat the powder product over the cream to set it, rather than swiping it over it which may disturb it. You can use a cream product in the same shade as the powder shadow, a neutral, more concealer-like shade, or a basic white (which, depending on the opacity of the product used, may either make the shade bolder or a bit more subdued. Layering in almost any area of makeup is key to lasting power (think about foundation: first moisturiser, then primer, then concealer, then foundation, then powder.)

If this doesn’t appeal to you, try applying your powder eyeshadow wet with a mixing medium. I adore Ben Nye LiquiSet. This stuff makes powder eyeshadows virtually smudge-proof and water resistant, amps up the vibrancy, and is cheap cheap cheap. The only problem is is that it sets fast. Like, within seconds. And once it sets, it absolutely cannot be blended. So, if you plan on doing a lot of careful blending, or are a slow makeup applier, I’d pass over this.

Otherwise, you can use a more general makeup sealer, like Ben Nye Final Seal. The only possible problem with this product is that it makes stuff matte, and really matte. If that’s not an issue, this is your product, as it doesn’t set as quickly and is much more blendable, and you’ll still get the smudge-, water-, and fade-proofness of the LiquiSet. This minty blue liquid can also be used a general makeup setter (I use this in photoshoots that have really hot lights or in cases when models or actors will be sweating a lot, and it an absolute godsend.)

In either case, you have two options for application. Either wet your brush before or after you get some pigment onto it (I prefer before, but doing so often leaves a slight film on the eyeshadow left in the pan, which can just be wiped off with a tissue later; this method also has the benefit of making shades more vibrant and making shimmery or metallic shades appear foiled). Otherwise, you can spritz either product on a small duo-fibre brush and stipple over the shadow after dry application (this method is better if you still want to be able to blend and work meticulously, but won’t provide the same setting effect as using it as a mixing medium.)

Can you do a full review of Tarte cheekstains? They seem quite expensive but I've also heard very good reviews.

Sun, 30 Jan 2011 20:56:20 -0500

I’ll be doing a review on the one I have (Blissful) for Karen next week. I’ll throw the link up here when she posts it.

Midterms are finally over...

Sat, 29 Jan 2011 11:05:03 -0500

Hey guys! Sorry for my short disappearance. This past week was the week from hell: four midterms and none of them on the day they were scheduled for. I was up until 3am for three nights in a row studying for various subjects that kept changing dates, and it was just awful. I’ll be back to answering all of your questions and throwing up some posts tonight. Thanks for hanging in!

Hi Sam!
I stumbled across your blog a couple of days ago and I've practically read through it. I found that your writing style is clear, concise and addictive. Love that you have what I think is a great approach to make up.
I have what seems like a million question but I hope you’re willing to answer a few. Now, let me start by saying that I have just about the worst canvas in the world for makeup. By that I mean my skin is oily on the outside but dry on the inside, if that makes sense. I’ve found a great skin care line, but I’m still trying to figure out how to get makeup work for me, as most things seems to have difficulty staying on my face.
Now the questions:
1. Could you do a foundation tutorial with a brush using Revlon? I’m really interested in learning how to apply it without looking cakey or stiff. I can afford MUFE but not for everyday use.
2. Where is the line to stop applying foundation/powder? Between jaw and neck or right down to the neck?
3. What is the best brush for foundation? I read that you use Stigma, but we don’t have that over here (I live in Indonesia) but we do have MAC, Shu Uemura and most other mass big brands.
4. Is it advisable to use old make up brushes?
5. I have very high maintenance facial skin and only KOSE skin care works for me. My daily routine includes toner, day serum and then at night toner, night serum. When do I apply primer, after skin care or in between?
6. Is it advisable to dilute foundation? If yes, with what? Doesn’t that disturb the staying power?
7. I would love to use mascara, but I’ve never found one that can stay on me for any amount of time. This is not because of my short Asian lashes as I’m the only one in my (big Asian) family who can’t wear mascara! Do you have any advice for this? Is this because I have very oily eyebags and lids?
I hope that’s not too much! Any advice would be a big help. I’m tired of looking like a blotchy nightmare in pictures!
Xxx, Nita.

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 18:21:00 -0500

So glad you like the blog!

Think I’m gonna try out my new tripod set-up and do one this. Check my YouTube channel after the weekend!
I always bring foundation down under the chin and partway onto the neck. This ensures the best blending of color between the lighter skin on your neck and the darker skin on your face, and greatly minimizes the stark contrast that may occur between the two.
If you don’t have Sigma, I’d check out either the Sephora Professionnel Platinum #55 Airbrush for light to medium coverage, or Philosophy The Supernatural Airbrush Brush for sheer to full coverage. This second one is basically a fantastic, smaller version of my favorite Sigma foundation brush (actually, I like it a bit better…), but the brush head is about half the size, meaning that it may take a bit longer, especially if going for full coverage…
As long as makeup brushes are well cared for, they can last you a good five to ten years (as a consumer; pros replace theirs much more often.) Just like your own hair, however, if brushes have not been well cared for, they have have split or broken fibers and be harboring bacteria, the first of which can lead to uneven application and skin micro-abrasions, and the second of which can lead to contamination and infections.
Apply primer after all skincare but before any makeup to lock in moisture and use it to its full efficacy.
I wouldn’t say it’s advisable to dilute foundation, however, it is quite possible and many people do it. My first choice, though probably not the most feasible for the average consumer, is to use an actual foundation thinner (like this one from RCMA), although these often work better with cream foundations and can become quite oily if you use too much (often, a single drop is sufficient). Otherwise, you may simply mix your foundation with a basic moisturiser to reach your desired level of coverage (I never personally advise doing this, but it is the hardest to mess up method of turning a high coverage foundation into a sheerer version, and is probably your best bet if you’re not totally confident in your blending/application skills). Just make sure that if you go this route, the foundation and the moisturiser both have the same base (ie. either both oil-based or both water-based), as if you mix the two, they will assuredly separate within a few hours, leading to blotchy, curdled foundation.
I’ve never been big on lash primers, and don’t think they really work all that well, so the only other option I can suggest is to only use waterproof mascaras. To double-up, try priming your lids and setting with powder to help stave off the oil for at least a while longer, which will definitely help the wear-time of any mascara.

Hey Sam,
I recently bought the Classic Clarisonic and I love it! But I was just wondering what the difference was between the Clarisonic with 3 speeds and the Pro.

Also, do you have any skincare/ makeup tips for going on an airplane? My face always seems dry no matter how much mosturizer I have on.

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 17:30:00 -0500

The Clarisonic Pro is the one with 3 Speeds. The Classic only has 2.

For airplane travel, definitely start out by upping your water intake two to three days before you start traveling. On the plane, skip the soda and make sure to drink at least a glass (or one of those dinky plastic cups they give you that always spills…) of water every hour, at least.

The morning of your departure, take a warm shower, and pat yourself dry rather than rubbing. This will help your skin remain moist for a bit longer. If you have time, apply a hydrating mask for five minutes. If not (or afterwards), apply a heavy, rich moisturiser (or preferably, a balm) while your skin is still damp and porous, and let it absorb for a good ten minutes, then blot your face with a tissue. Apply a silicone primer to lock in the moisture, and if your skin can handle it, apply a sheer cream foundation, which will be much less likely to dry out your skin than other formulations. Blend a cream blush onto your cheeks, and set lightly with a tiny bit of translucent powder.

If you can get it past airport security (not sure what the current regulations are…) bring a rich, multitasking balm on the plane with you. My favorite is CO Bigelow’s Rose Salve. It works wonders on lips, but can also be applied sheerly on cheeks, cuticles, elbows, or other areas that tend to get dry. Applied on the top of the cheekbones, it can actually act as a fantastic, glossy highlighter, and reverses moisture loss like no other.

If you want, bring a refreshing facial mist in your bag. I like the Aveda Botanical Kinetics Toning Mist, but if you don’t want to spend the money, a cheap, fantastic alternative is to brew up some strong green tea (organic if you can; none of that prebrewed Lipton stuff that has more sugar and chemicals in it than tea) and place it in a spritzer bottle. Add a few drops of vegetable glycerin, shake well, and chill overnight. Whenever your skin starts to feel tight, hold the bottle six inches away from your face and spritz away. Just don’t overdo it, or you could end up melting your makeup right off.

Undereye Veins

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 03:07:00 -0500

I wanted to expand a tiny bit on the recent post I did about concealing undereye circles. Hopefully most of you know basic color theory, but for those of you who don’t, here’s a quickie lesson:

Colors opposite to each other on the color wheel neutralize each other. Targeting “problem” face colors, this means that green neutralizes redness, lilac neutralizes sallowness, and salmon/peach neutralize purple-ish undereye circles. The only “exception” is yellow, which can kind of multitask; it helps minimize redness and downplays blue-tinted veins. Applying a corrector with hints of these colors in them will help to even out the problem area and stop the dastardly color from poking through your foundation or concealer.

Before we continue, let’s get one thing straight. There are concealers and correctors, and they are very different. Concealers are meant to cover a discolored area and bring it towards the shade of the rest of the face, and may be worn alone if the discoloration is not too severe. Correctors (which often come in green, lilac, and yellow) are meant to neutralize the shades of problem areas, but require foundation or concealer over them (otherwise, they may appear ashy or just downright odd). Correctors are more of a professional tool, but for some of you, they may be required. Most of you are probably familiar with them in primer form (MUFE sells some great ones), and these may not need much else over them to hide their initial color; however, the most heavy duty ones come in cream form (much like a concealer), and a few companies sell liquid varieties (though these are often meant to be added into foundations and should not be used by the casual consumer unless you are quite confident in your knowledge of color theory and mixing/blending ability.) Some setting powders also contain the a hint of yellow to minimize redness (Ben Nye’s Banana Poudre is amazing for this).

So, if you want to hide blue veins under the eyes, turn towards a yellow-based corrector if they’re very offensive, or a heavily pigmented, yellow-based concealer if they’re less so. In this case, the yellow tint in a good concealer should be enough to disguise them without having to turn to a corrector, and this saves you the possibly problematic step of adding another layer of product under your eyes.

Hiya, I was thinking of getting a Clarisonic. Which one would you recommend? Online stockists have the Classic (2 speeds), Plus (3 speeds) and Mia (1 speed). Would the variation in speed contribute to the effects or is it a simple case of find a speed suitable and stick with it? Does the brush head size matter if I'm simply looking at facial applications and not body?

Also, I read how you regard Mac as a makeup standard, which is fair enough. However, you fail to mention Nars, BeneFit, Urban Decay and Too Faced to any great extent and I wondered what your opinion is on that? Their prices are approximately the same as Mac and the quality is good. Many bloggers rave about certain items from these brands and I confess to love Urban Decay and Mac, yet find Nars to be rather contrived...that Bento box was ridiculously priced!

Would be great if you could answer these questions. I really enjoy your writing style and the indepth contents. Are you considering English as a major for Columbia?

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 02:51:16 -0500

With the Clarisonic, I just closed my eyes and swiped my card for the Pro. I have to admit, though, I always go for the most beefed up version of everything. The Classic should be fine for most people. Since finding the right speed and time length for me, I’ve not once switched from it. The only time I could possibly see myself doing such was if my skin became really sensitive, in which case I might switch my brush head to Sensitive, and turn down the speed. All of the brush heads are the same size; it’s simply a matter of the density of the bristles between the various brushes.

Don’t get me wrong, I love many of those brands you mentioned. I just use MAC as the standard for some judgement calls on other brands (usually pigmentation, size/volume, application, etc.) My kit is quite varied brand-wise, and has odds and ends from all of those brands you mentioned (however, I tend to turn to more pro-based lines for more general items {eg. eyeshadows, foundations, etc.}, and pick up the specialized or unique items from these more consumer-based brands {such as Too Faced Shadow Insurance, Tarte Cheekstains, NARS The Multiple…}). I actually think I have the least MAC products of any brand in my kit…

I’m really torn among what I want to study in college. The top contenders for now are Russian Lit. and Culture, Forensic Psychology, Journalism, Philosophy, some sort of higher Math, and Dramatic Arts.

First off, I just wanted to say that I love your blog. I ran into it from your guest post on Makeup and Beauty Blog and now, I'm hooked! Have you ever tried, or ever thought of trying BB Cream (Beblesh Balm)? It's the latest makeup craze in Asia and it seems to be spreading to the US!

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 02:43:05 -0500

I’ve looked into them, but just can’t take the dive and order one without testing it in person first, and nothing near me sells them! Also, my skin is quite light, and many of the ones I’ve seen seem to suit more light-medium skintones; the reviews I’ve read have said that many of them oxidize after a few hours on oily skin (re:me), and I couldn’t risk an orange complexion (again). The only time I order foundations without trying them out first is if the place has a fantastic return policy, or if I plan on mixing it anyway and buy two.

My final reason for not just breaking down and ordering some is because they’re just not feasible for a kit. They don’t come in anywhere near enough shades, and are geared much more towards consumers than professionals in their composition, application, etc.

And now, with my plans to buy an airbrush compressor, hopefully my search for the perfect foundation will be over!

I'll make this question shorter than my last one.

I have a hard time finding anything that covers the blue veins underneath dark circles. Circles are concealed easily--veins, not so much. I notice in your videos that you have absolutely no undereye circles--or those little blue veins that frame them. What concealer do you use? And how?

Megan

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 22:17:37 -0500

Except on my worst days, I actually just use my regular foundation-Revlon Colorstay Normal/Oily-under my eyes with a bit of setting powder. Full coverage foundations often eliminate the need for concealer on all but the darkest blemishes or circles.

On days when I’ve gotten no sleep and can’t go with just foundation alone, I use MUFE Full Coverage. I take a concealer brush and dab a tiny bit right underneath where the shadows are darkest (usually right underneath my tearducts), turn the brush over, and feather it up to my lower lashline and towards the inner corner, then up slightly onto my eyelid. If necessary, I’ll dot a tiny bit under my pupil, and feather it towards the outer corner. Then, using my ring finger, I pat (making sure not to drag) it out a bit, then apply foundation.

For people who rely on concealer for daily use, I definitely recommend the Full Coverage (for those with oily skin, long days, or extremely dark circles) or MUFE’s Lift concealer (for people who have more fine lines and wrinkles).

I'm a 20-year-old with a very easy to manage complexion (honestly, I can't remember the last time I got a pimple). Unfortunately, all cleansers I've tried have left my face feeling stretched and... "aged," if that makes any sense. Do you have a recommendation for someone with problem-free, not-oily, not-dry, completely average skin that seems to hate all cleansers on the market?

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 22:07:42 -0500

I’d definitely check out the Kose Softymo Deep Cleansing Oil. It doesn’t leave skin feeling dry or tight, removes even waterproof makeup, and helps keep redness and irritation at bay. It’s my go-to cleanser for 80% of people. The only issue is that it can only be bought in Chinatown or at select online retailers (fortunately, Amazon carries it) who may jack up the price. However, there’s a ton of product in the fantastic pump-bottle, so it’ll last you a while and may help you justify the mark-up.

One n' Only Argon Oil Treatment VS Paul Mitchell's Super Skinny Serum

Which one delivers the best shine?
Which one best reduces blow dry- time?

Thanks!!

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 22:00:39 -0500

The One ‘n Oil Argan Oil Treatment delivers superior, mirror-like shine (just be careful not to overdo it, or you’ll end up with greasy, lank locks!), but doesn’t seem to do much in the way of drying-time.

Paul Mitchell The Super Skinny Serum delivers a more satiny demi-shine, but speeds up drying-time by at least half, but seems to weigh hair down a tiny bit no matter how much you use (for me, this is great, as my hair has way too much volume).

Airbrushing

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 15:16:55 -0500

So, I’ve finally decided to bite the bullet and get myself an airbrush machine. I’ve been seriously considering the Temptu Air Pro (not the consumer, POD one you can get at Sephora), and the S/B line of their foundations. But I’ve also heard great stuff about the OCC Skin Foundations… Does anyone have any experience with this, and have recs for either the compressor or the different brands of foundations? Help is greatly appreciated. Will update y’all as I go along. Thanks guys!

Finally Indigo

This is so awesome! Too excited for next ones!

Sweeet this is so interesting! Cant wait for the next batch!

Sweeet this is so cool! Im excited for the next batch!

WE HAVE MOVED

Well, the New Site is Up

Stage One - Finished

Moving to a New Server

I was wondering what you think of blue mascaras. I know they're supposed to brighten up your eyes. I LOVE wearing blue liners & shadows because of this effect, but I'm wary of blue mascara as I'm afraid I'll wind up looking clownish. What's your opinion of them?

Can you do a full review of Tarte cheekstains? They seem quite expensive but I've also heard very good reviews.

Midterms are finally over...

Hey Sam, I recently bought the Classic Clarisonic and I love it! But I was just wondering what the difference was between the Clarisonic with 3 speeds and the Pro. Also, do you have any skincare/ makeup tips for going on an airplane? My face always seems dry no matter how much mosturizer I have on.

Undereye Veins

First off, I just wanted to say that I love your blog. I ran into it from your guest post on Makeup and Beauty Blog and now, I'm hooked! Have you ever tried, or ever thought of trying BB Cream (Beblesh Balm)? It's the latest makeup craze in Asia and it seems to be spreading to the US!

One n' Only Argon Oil Treatment VS Paul Mitchell's Super Skinny Serum Which one delivers the best shine? Which one best reduces blow dry- time? Thanks!!

Airbrushing

One n' Only Argon Oil Treatment VS Paul Mitchell's Super Skinny Serum

Which one delivers the best shine?
Which one best reduces blow dry- time?

Thanks!!