Social icons

Showing posts with label Eyeliner. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Eyeliner. Show all posts

Launch of the Most Innovative Eyeliner


Benefit said it's their biggest innovation in history.  After 5 years of development, the Benefit They're Real Push Up Liner (CA $29 / US $24) is finally launching globally this Friday on June 27, 2014!  

I was fortunate to have previewed and tried the product before its release.  It is probably the most unique eyeliner I have ever used.  Believe me when I say I have tried a lot of liners, but never have I ever seen an applicator like Benefit's patented Accuflex tip.  The gel formula comes out from within the applicator with just a few twists.  The flexible tip is designed to be lash hugging, which allows you to get as close to your lash line as possible.  It also gives great control that you can get the line as thin as your like or as thick as you like.

From L to R: They're Real Mascara, They're REal Push-Up Liner, They're Real Remover, Simone ;)
The formula in this liner is phenomenal.  It's smooth, creamy, and pigmented, which are basically what you would want from a gel liner.  The staying power is out of this world.  It stays put all day (even on the waterline) and it doesn't smudge.  To take it all off, I would use the They're Real! Remover (CA $22), which has now become my holy grail eye makeup remover.

When Benefit comes up with the concept of They're Real Push Up Liner, they want to create something that is fool proof and easy to use.  That woman can apply it in seconds.  I find that it is very easy to get a one stroke liner.  The trick is not to drag or push too hard, and to also ensure that there is enough product on the tip to apply.  That way you will get a smoother and quicker application.  That being said, also be aware not to twist up too much; but if you do, not to fear, you can just wipe the excess product on the back of your hand and dip it when you need it.

Eyeliner for Hooded Eyes / Folded Eye Lids

I can do a regular winged liner, no problem, and with this, it just makes getting ready in the morning so much more faster.  However, the regular winged liner doesn't necessarily look good on my eyes with my eye shape.  I got a chance to sit down with Benefit Canada Regional Education Manager Maddox Lu (@maddox_thinks) to pick his brain and get some tips on how to apply this liner on my hooded/folded eye lids.

Maddox said the best liner look that suits hooded eyes the best is the "Hook" liner; as well as those with folded lids, droopy lids, "Asian eyes" (disclaimer: not trying to generalize but a lot of east Asian would have some type of folded eye lids).  Basically, if you see a broken line when you have your eyes opened with a regular winged liner on, then you will be able to benefit from the "Hook" technique.  There are a few simple steps:

Step 1: Draw a thin line like you would normal do from the outer corner to the inner corner because we want a thicker line in the outer corner.

Step 2: Align your eyeliner from the corner of your nose to the outer corner of your eyes to find the ideal angle.  Then, create a wing by pressing the Accuflex Tip down on your lid.

Step 3: Fill in the wing.  And when you open your eyes, you would see a broken line because of the shape of your eyelid.

Step 4: Stare straight into your mirror.  Take the wing and connect straight across from wing to your crease, just a small line.

Step 5: Look down and connect downward from the end of the new line you just create.

Step 6: Fill in the line and you're done!

Before...

After...

Maddox gave me a lesson on this technique and demonstrated on my left eye.  I then tried it out on my right eye and got the same result too.  It might take once or twice to get used to but it's definitely a brilliant technique.


This technique is not only great for hooded eyes, but also "droopy eyes" and "Asian eyes" (most of us tend to have a fold on our lid, myself included).  It will work well too if the corner of your eyes points downward.

Okay, sounds like I need it, now what?


Well, the Benefit They're Real Push Up Liner is launching this Friday on June 27, 2014 worldwide and they are hosting launch parties across Canada (check their Facebook page to see if it's coming to your Sephora).  In Toronto, it will be held at the Sephora inside Toronto Eaton Centre.  Benebabes will be in store to help you with your liner on both Friday and Saturday (June 27-28, 2014) from 11AM to 9PM.  Guests will get a special gift if they purchase their They're Real Push Up Liner on those two dates (while supplies last).  If you're planning to go, a little bird told me there's a special secret happening between 3:30PM to 4:00PM.  If you're around, don't miss it!

Until next time,


x Rica




*Disclosure: Products mentioned in this post were provided to The Office Chic for review consideration.  As always, all the opinions expressed here are my own and are in no way influenced by any advertiser, affiliate, public relations firm or brands.

Benefit Launches They're Real Push-Up Liner | Eyeliner for Hooded Eyes Tips & Tricks

June 25, 2014 • 9 comments
shu-uemura-calligraphink

I used to practice Chinese Calligraphy when I was little, but I was never fantastic at it.  It's only when I use a Sharpie-like calligraphy pen instead of a calligraphy brush that I can write great penmanship, but it was considered cheating that way.  Fast forward to present days, I no longer practice calligraphy, instead I picked up another art, the art of eyeliner.  Again, I'm still not so great at it, but with a good tool, I'm slowly but surely getting a hang of it.


shu-uemura-calligraphink
Shu Uemura Calligraph:ink
The brush tip
shu-uemura-calligraphink

One tool in particular is the all new Shu Uemura Calligraph:ink Liquid Eyeliner.  The Calligrap:ink is sold in two separate components: Calligraph:ink Applicator (CA $24) and Calligraph:ink Cartridge (CA $22).  The "system" different than most eyeliner out there in that it comes with a brush tip applicator that resembles the traditional Calligraphy Brushes in Asia.  It has a rather stiff brush head that gives you a lot of control when you go and line your eyes.  Like calligraphy brushes, you can create lines of different thickness using the Calligraph:ink Applicator.


As for the formula, it is an intense black liquid liner that is not runny (i.e. not running down from the brush tip, no dripping), so that's nice.  It doesn't set right after you apply, so if you made a mistake you can fix it if you're real quick.  Once it's set, it has a semi-shiny finish like most liquid eyeliner and then it doesn't budge, until you remove it with a make up remover.  I have tried using Micellar solution, but it doesn't remove it completely, so I'd recommend an oil base make up remover, like the Shu Uemura Cleansing Oils.


See swatches and demo below:

shu-uemura-calligraphink
Calligraph:ink swatches
shu-uemura-calligraphink
From natural lash enhancer to slightly dramatic cat eye with one Calligraph:ink

To change the cartridge (or to use it for the first time), you simply unscrew the holder from the brush tip side and slowly insert the cartridge.  I do need to apply a bit of pressure in order to insert it.  It didn't cause any splash, but they did warn that it may happen.  Next you would hold the eyeliner brush tip down so that the product come down to the brush.  I would store it flat to avoid ink leakage.


shu-uemura-calligraphink
Cartridge and the applicator attachment
shu-uemura-calligraphink
Brush tip side down to bring the product to the tip.

The Shu Uemura Calligraph:ink might not be a life changing product, but it does help you with eyeliner applicator.  I like that it is a brush tip so it won't dry out like sponge/felt tip applicators.  I also like that this brush is on a stiffer side, which provides more control.  The formula is also very black and intense, and it stays put all day long.  While I still haven't mastered the art of eye-lining from the wing, I have not messed up my eyeliner (just yet) with this product (but it may happen when I have a shaky hand day :/).  If you're on a market for a new liquid eyeliner, definitely try out the Calligraph:ink.

Until next time,


x Rica


*Disclosure: Products mentioned in this post were provided to The Office Chic for review consideration.  As always, all the opinions expressed here are my own and are in no way influenced by any advertiser, affiliate, public relations firm or brands.

Shu Uemura Calligraph:ink Liquid Eyeliner: Become a Calligraphy Master... On the Eyes | Review, Photos, Swatches

February 26, 2014 • 0 comments

Inspired by Asian calligraphy, Shu Uemura is introducing a brand new liquid eyeliner–Calligraph:ink–that will be available starting March 2014 at Holt Renfrew, Hudson's Bay & selected Sephora stores or online at shuuemura.ca in Canada.  For US, it will be available on shuuemura-usa.com.  This liner has a brush tip similar to a calligraphy brush that would allow you to draw lines as thin as 0.5mm to as thick as 2.0mm in a single stroke.  Shu Uemura believes the eye is the central element of make up and the heart of beauty.  Therefore, they want to create an eyeliner that would make drawing eyeliner easy.

"The most difficult makeup technique is drawing lines, in particular the eye lines. You need to draw precisely on eyelids that are soft and mobile, as well as to express changes in dynamism and texture, just like calligraphy.

Calligraph:ink eyeliner has made drawing lines easy for all, from beginners to professionals. As an Asian expert on eye, Shu Uemura invites you to discover different eye lining techniques for different looks, moods and impact." – Kakuyasu Uchiide, International Artistic Director of Shu Uemura

Along with the release of Calligraph:ink, the collection also come with 5 complimentary shades that would emphasize the intense calligraphy black of the liner.  No Shu Uemura is complete without false lashes, they are also collaborating with PAPERSELF for the first time to create exclusive designs of paper false lashes to this collection.

calligraph:ink eye liner - permanent
  • liquid eyeliner refillable applicator (CA $24)
  • liquid eyeliner cartridge (CA $22)
pressed eyeshadow (CA $19) (from T to B, L to R)
  • S light beige 815
  • ME vermillion 252
  • S dark brown 884
  • G beige 821
  • S medium brown 853
paperlashes (CA $36) - LE (from T to B)
  • cupid angel
  • love lasts forever
After seeing Uchiide-san's demo on Calligraph:ink, I'm convinced that I need that liner in my life. Maybe I won't be able to apply eyeliner from the wing like he did (oh yeah, it was magical), but it sounds like it would give me a great control over eyelining and I need that in the morning after only 5 hours sleep and trying not to mess up my eyeliner, again.  I can't wait when it comes out!

Until next time,


x Rica

Shu Uemura Calligraph:ink Collection for Spring & Spring 2014 | Beauty News

January 14, 2014 • 25 comments
Still trying to figure out what to wear to tonight's countdown?  Well, my go-to last minute festive look is always bold eye liner and lips.  Check out a few of my picks:

Eye Liner

Stila Art of the Fine Line Stay All Day® Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner Set

Want to have some fun with your eyeliner and make sure they stay all night long?  This Stila set comes with 4 of their bestselling felt-tip eye liner along with a look card to help you achieve the party look you're looking for.  You'll have the choice to try out the midnight blue, the dark brown, and the moss green shade out, or all of them together. And Stila knows a black liner is every girl staple, so this set comes with a full size of the black shade.

RiRi Hearts MAC Superslick Eyeliner

Loose glitter might be messy to deal with when time is tight.  A better alternative might be glitter liner.  The RiRi Hearts MAC Superslick Eyeliner in Pisces Persuasion is a option.  Unlike traditional glitter liner, it comes with a felt tip applicator, which offers a greater coverage in this one swipe.  Like its name suggests, the formula is super slick that it glides on smoothly with very fine pearlescent glitter.  It's perfect to make your eyes pop.

L to R: Stila Dark Brown, Moss, Midnight, Intense Black & MAC Pisces Persuasion

Ring into the New Year with these Festive Eye Liners & Lip Products

December 31, 2013 • 38 comments