Mink: The Personal 3D Makeup Printer

 

Michelle Phan “Robot Chic” YouTube Billboard, NYC

 

If you’ve been around New York City recently, watched networks like ABC Family, or opened a copy of Allure, you may have noticed the YouTube campaign featuring the biggest beauty gurus. It’s no wonder we continue to witness the rise of beauty bloggers and vloggers; The Internet is a huge force in revolutionizing the concept of beauty and how we consume beauty products.

We buy and sell cosmetics online, review beauty products online, and watch countless makeup tutorials online. Wouldn’t it make sense to eventually create our own makeup at home with the help of the Internet and 3D printing technology? Yes!

All you fellow tech geeks out there might be familiar with TechCrunch Disrupt and some of the hype surrounding 3D printing. But what does that have to do with the beauty industry? Imagine taking the color from any image on your phone or computer and printing custom makeup at home–essentially creating your own personal Sephora (okay, maybe that’s just me being really hopeful).

I was so excited to see this article and demo spotlighting Mink, a mini 3D makeup printer created by Grace Choi, a Harvard Business School grad.

Grace Choi, Mink at TechCrunch Disrupt

Mink, The Makeup Printer

You basically use any image software to identify a specific color, copy and paste the Hex Code and send the color to print. Choi’s prototype currently produces a powder eyeshadow pigment, but she explains the printer would also be able to create lipsticks, foundations and creams.

The evaluated price point is $300.00 for the printer (no set price yet for the ink/substrates). If you’re intrigued, you can request an invite to receive further updates regarding Mink.

I wonder about the quality of the “ink” and pigment ingredients. Even though Choi mentions the ink is FDA-compliant, I would like to know the composition in comparison to other trusted brands. Also, what else could the software and printer produce?

Will this technology really drive down the cost of cosmetics and help consumers save money in the long run? I hope so!

Regardless, the emerging 3D printing technology is pretty exciting and I like to think that an at-home makeup factory could be on the horizon!

Take a moment to watch this demo and let know what you think. What type of beauty product or invention would you create?

 

 

 

 

Too Faced Beauty Blogger Darlings Collection

Too Faced Cosmetics has teamed up with four beauty bloggers to create a mini collection of must-have products. All four products are deluxe size samples and for $20.00 you can try them out to see if you love them enough to buy the full size.

Deluxe sample sizes are just right for your travel makeup bag–might be worth it to treat yourself!

Here’s what beauty bloggers have to say about these makeup staples {from TooFaced.com}:

Deluxe Better Than Sex Mascara

“Two coats take my fringe from stubby, shy violet to long, luscious vixen, and what a super cute pink tube! If you’re gonna bat your lashes all day long, this is the mascara you want,” says Karen of makeupandbeautyblog.com

 

Deluxe Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer

“I love the Chocolate Soleil bronzer because it smells SO good and gives my face a natural deep tan,” says Jen of mybeautybunny.com

 

Deluxe Primed & Poreless Skin Smoothing Face Primer

“My holy grail primer for an airbrushed finish,” says vlogger Weylie of youtube.com/ilikeweylie

 

Deluxe Shadow Insurance Eye Shadow Primer

“I love Shadow Insurance because it lasts all day with zero creasing on my oil-prone lids, it prevents shadows from fading and just a dab does the trick,” says Kelly of vampyvarnish.com

Have you tried any of these products? Which Too Faced products would you include in your collection?

Beauty Quickie: How to Revive Your Dry Mascara

If you have noticed the fall makeup trends you’ve probably seen bold eye colors, particularly tinted mascaras.  I love using a tinted mascara to add dimension and a unique pop of color to any look. If you’re interested, your local drugstore/Target should be carrying this limited edition Great Lash line by Maybelline (approximatley $7.00 USD per tube):

{Photo Courtesy of Beauty High}

I actually purchased the Teal shade and will most likely purchase the Purple as well. I knew I already had a tinted mascara hiding out somewhere and after some digging I found a cobalt blue shade called Baby Rocker, which is a Punk Lash Mascara from Tokidoki that I purchased a little while ago at Sephora (this line is currently discontinued).

Needless to say, this poor guy was being neglected and when I tried to use it the formula was dry, dry, dry.

Instead of chucking it (it cost $17.00), I experimented to see if there was any chance to revive this. Even if only for a few more uses.

My first thought was to try baby oil. However, you may know baby oil works great to REMOVE makeup, so I didn’t want to risk separating the formula and ruining its properties.

I thought a little harder about what would be both a great lubricant and safe for the eyes…well, eye drops, of course!

 

So, my tip to you is if your mascara has started to show signs of dryness you might want to try adding a few drops of Visine directly into the tube.

Note: If your mascara is older than 6 months or if it has developed an odor–sorry, but you might be better off tossing the item to avoid risking an eye infection. No mascara can make a red, swollen eye look better!

I started with two drops and noticed an immediate difference. I added two more and thought that was enough. You can add more if you feel it will work better.

Below you can see what a difference the Visine has made:

 

 

Have you tried this or have your own tip for saving dry mascaras–let me know!

 

Best Summer Concealers Part 3: The Multitasker

{Clinique Advanced Concealer}

There comes a time in every woman’s life when she trades in the mediocre for something with more substance. In the case of concealers, you should never settle for anything sub-par. You do so much every day that your makeup needs to be versatile and be able to keep up with you. That’s why the Multitasker concealer is a go-to choice for the on-the-go type of gal.

The Multitasker: Clinique Advanced Concealer

{Formula} Creamy application dries to a matte, powder finish. Excellent full coverage for blemishes and under eye circles. By comparison, the Lightweight is most suitable for concealing under eye circles and the Heavyweight is most beneficial for covering dark spots and blemishes.

You will get more use from the Multitasker since it can essentially do both jobs. Sounds like someone deserves a promotion! Note: The cream-to-powder finish is not ideal for very fine lines or severely dry skin, as powder texture can accentuate these characteristics.

{Packaging} This concealer comes in a squeezable plastic tube with needle-nose nozzle. Very easy to control how much product is dispensed. The small opening is ideal for sanitizing, as it minimizes the amount of unused product that is exposed to air. Very easy to clean–no icky build up here.

Tip: Any plastic tube, be it for concealer, lip gloss or lotion can be cut with scissors so you can access every last morsel. That means more bang kaboom for you hard earned buck. Just make sure that you secure the opened end with something strong like a binder clip and keep it in the fridge for up to one week. Toss the leftovers if the product hardens, changes color or develops an odor. Gross.

{Application} Just like toothpaste, gently squeeze the tube from the crimped end and move product toward the opening. The nozzle is small like a frosting piper and allows for precision. I place the product on the back of my hand and use my ring finger to apply to face.  Just dot four times under the eye and blend inward toward inner tear duct.

For blemishes, I apply a thin layer right next to the redness and pat around the area. I gently move inward until the whole blemish is covered. Set with a translucent powder and be prepared to watch dark circles and spots disappear. Victory!

Available: Clinique
Retail Price: $16.50 USD for 0.28 oz

Have you tried this product? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section below!

In case you missed it:

Part 1: The Lightweight

Part 2: The Heavyweight

Coming up next:

{Liz}

#Elizabethology

Best Summer Concealers Part 2: The Heavyweight

 

{MAC Pro Longwear}

 

Have you ever held a cosmetic item in your hand and said “Thank you. Thank you. Thank you”?

You might just sing the praises of the second featured concealer!

 

The Heavyweight: MAC Pro Longwear

{Formula} Camouflage. This military grade coverage can conceal any land mine that pops up on your face. Thick and creamy, but not cake batter. Medium to full coverage makes a great base for color if primer is not handy. Recommended for all day wear (will get you through work and at least two drinks), but be aware: the pigment is highly concentrated and a light hand will ensure a seamless coverage.

{Packaging} Simple, sleek and air-tight is the MAC way. The small air pump keeps formula fresh and sanitary. The glass vial keeps product safe and ideal for travel. Don’t let the size fool you–a little bit goes a very long way. It took me some time to get used to the pump as it is easy to press too hard and dispense too much product for one application.

Tip: I recommend giving a few taps rather then pressing on the pump all the way for a controlled release. Ahem.

{Application} Utilizing a clean metal disc or the back of my clean hand, I use half a pump of concealer, about the size of half a pea. I dip my ring finger in and dot four times under my eyes and on any blemish. You may use your finger or synthetic fiber concealer brush to apply and blend.

Available: MAC Cosmetics
Retail Price: $18.00 USD for 9 ml / 0.30 US fl oz

 

Have you tried this product? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section below!

 

Coming up next:

 

{Liz}

#Elizabethology

Putting Inspiration to Work

Life can be a battle and it is not always easy. Nevertheless, enjoy the precious moments; do not let them go by unnoticed. Live in the “now” and treasure your life, your loved ones as well as your gift to be there for others. Remember lovelies, we are here on borrowed time. ~ Cath B Akesson

{Photo Courtesy of BeautyHigh}

It shouldn’t take someone’s death to be one’s motivation to start living, but sometimes its the realization that time is borrowed that ends up being the call of action to stop wasting it and stop making excuses.

If you are a beauty addict like me, there’s a good chance you watch or subscribe to beauty gurus on YouTube. I’ve followed many of the “OG” gurus (such as the very prominent Kandee Johnson to the Ipsy girls and Elle and Blair Fowler, and I could go on, and on) from the early inception of the Internet beauty community phenomenon.

As a beauty guru fan, you can become attached to these amazingly talented ladies who hail from all over the world. You admire their originality and candidness. You find yourself owning that carefree girly girl spirit inside you, experimenting with new makeup techniques and coveting new ‘holy grail’ items to add to your beauty arsenal. Most of all you appreciate their honest life advice, from one woman to another. They are a ‘friend in your head.’

There is one such star who will remain a source of inspiration to me and many others. Her name is Talia Joy Castellano. The story of Talia is one of immense hope and strength. Talia was diagnosed with two forms of childhood cancer, beginning at the age of seven. She loved makeup and beauty and the ability to help others find beauty within themselves. To her, “makeup was her wig“–it’s all she needed to feel beautiful and confident. 

Talia’s vigor for life was showcased on July 9, 2013 when her bucket list was posted to her ‘Angels For Talia‘ Facebook page, which mentioned all the beautiful things she wanted to accomplish in her life. Realizing that her list was so ambitious, her fans joined in #taliasbucketlist to help her reach her goals. This initiative inspired so many to get up and get things done. 
Among the people Talia touched in her pursuit of life were Ellen DeGeneres and the team at CoverGirl. Talia’s spirit would continue to soar and inspire many more.

Talia passed away on July 16th, 2013 after battling Cancer for more than six years. A deep sadness was shared by all who cared for her and who admired her strength. Her bucket list is not yet complete but it was also not nearly forgotten.
Talia’s supporters, known as ‘Angels’ are uniting to make sure all items are crossed of this bucket list and to carry on Talia’s hope to find a cure for cancer. Looking at my own life and all the things I’ve been avoiding, scared to try and then fail, I realize how wasteful I have been; how I’ve been given time and opportunity to try and try again.

I read an article on BeautyHigh regarding a petition started by Talia’s angels which is championing for one very special bucket list request — #62 to be exact — to create Talia’s  very own makeup line with MAC Cosmetics. The call is also to ensure partial proceeds will donated to cancer research and of course spread Talia’s love for beauty–a legacy that she will always have.

I urge you to check out this article and learn more about Talia and her dreams. If you don’t have a bucket list or specific goals of your own, I bet you will soon after you get to know this Angel.

Please also take the time to read this post from one of Talia’s closest friends and fellow YouTube Beauty Guru, the fabulous Kandee Johnson.

This post is dedicated to Talia Joy Castellano and her family. Thank you, Talia, for giving us hope, joy and peace.

#62 on #taliasbucketlist:

Xoxo,

{Liz}