I have been in a little bit of a mascara rut. I have been absolutely uninspired by the new mascaras coming out in the drugstores. They kinda look like repackaged versions of themselves. I have not been inclined to buy for months! Of course I have my go-to favourites, but I always want to try something new. I typically use my drugstore mascaras for everyday use. I keep my pricier mascaras for weekends or going out. Therefore…I decided to pick up one of the products on my wishlist. Enter the Ardency Inn Best of Eyes Kit.
Ardency Inn Best of Eyes Holiday 2016 Kit
I initially was going to the Modster Big Instant Lash Enhancing Mascara, which is US$25, but while browsing the ardencyinn.com website, I noticed that they were selling a kit with four FULL sized products that included their newest mascara for US$39. I did not stutter. Straight to my shopping cart. I also added a second Manuka Honey Pigment. This kit is supposed easy to use and longwearing with two waterproof eye liners. All of the products are in their permanent collection and can be purchased individually (but why would you do that with this deal?) This is a great way to dip your toe into the brand.
Remember when I said in The Makeup Show NYC recap, that there were a lot of new products coming out soon? Well this was one of them! Ardency Inn MODSTER BIG mascara is here!
Ardency Inn MODSTER BIG mascara. Made with hemp protein, strengthens while it volumizes.
ARDENCY INN is launching a revolutionary new mascara just in time for summer! MODSTER BIG, formulated with hemp protein to instantly add major volume while enabling keratin creation, which strengthens lashes from within and gives them enhanced body and resilience over time.
THE TECHNICAL DETAILS
THE FORMULA
Glyco proteins also form a smooth and flexible coating for noticeably longer lashes. The wax-based formula ensures an easy-glide, clump-free application and long wear that won’t harden or flake. Naturally, MODSTER BIG is formulated without parabens, gluten, sulfates or phthalates.
THE BRUSH
MODSTER BIG innovative brush is the first ever mascara wand to feature two different kinds of fibers intermixed to simultaneously deposit, separate, lift and curl. Inspired by the iconic hairbrushes intermixing different kinds of fibers that are recognized by hair stylists as the most effective tool to detangle effortlessly and evenly distribute product, the MODSTER BIG brush is created with patented “boar-like” soft fibers that gently deposit the right amount of product onto lashes, while firmer nylon bristles with micro-tapered ends separate them evenly. The slightly curved brush shape is designed to better grip the lashes for amplified lift and curl.
Earlier this year, fellow Caribeña, Afro-Latina and model Joan Smalls gave all kinds of face with this look for the Met Gala.
Joan Smalls, Met Gala 2015 via The Zoe Report
I was immediately smitten! Very dramatic and smokey for evening, but quite bright and definitely a great look for warm-weather evening. Joan is a brand ambassador for Estée Lauder, so her makeup artist used all Lauder products, but I used what I had available, mixing and matching when needed. If you love a look, you certainly don’t need to go out and buy the exact makeup to make it work. I also took the opportunity to try out the brand new, 4K/UHD compatible foundation from Make Up For Ever. I will be writing a separate review on this one. I also got some new shadows recently, including my first taste at the Makeup Geek eye shadows. I have been a fan of Marlena for years and I am really happy to see her being so successful with her line. She is very smart and knowledgeable and I love that she has a serious love for makeup and even though she has her own line, she is all about great makeup from any brand.
Anyways…here is what I came up with.
It is actually quite a simple look, just lots and lots of blending to get that swept look. All details of the products used are below and remember to substitute your own products when needed.
Holiday season is in full swing and Ardency Inn has 2 eyeliner kits that contain brand new colours that will not be available until Spring of 2015.
From PR:
ARDENCY INN announces the launch of two holiday kits containing the famed MODSTER Smooth Ride Supercharged Eyeliner, including two exclusive colors not yet available for sale individually.
The kits contain an attractive combination of classic and on-trend colors that can be mixed and matched or worn alone, on and off stage. The combination of deep pigments and rich metallics creates the perfect pop of color to rock in the NewYear. The full-sized trio includes full size liners in Black Dark, Blue and Gold (Gold not available as a single sku until spring 2015).
Full sized trio – image via PR
The travel-sized duo includes mini liners in Black and True Blue (True Blue not available as a single sku until spring 2015).
Travel-sized duo – Image via PR
Known for their professional grade, pigment rich formula, ARDENCY INN’S MODSTER Smooth Ride Supercharged Eyeliners contain a waterproof, soft and creamy formula that allows ample time for blending when applied, but stays put well into the wee hours of the morning. Each holiday kit features product illustrations by Juliane Hennes, a German artist known for her high-fashion motifs and creative use of mixed mediums.
Headlining the campaign will be internationally recognized EDM Artist & DJ Audrey Napoleon. A local of TriBeCa in New York City, Audrey created the theme of the campaign: A modern, downtown Cleopatra.
The ARDENCY INN MODSTER Smooth Ride Supercharged Eyeliner Trio will retail for US$29.00 (value US$57.00) in the US and C$33.00 (value C$66.00) in Canada. The ARDENCY INN MODSTER Smooth Ride Supercharged Eyeliner Travel Duo will retail for US$15.00(valueUS$27.00) in the US and C$17.00 (valueC$31.00) in Canada.
Both kits will be available for sale on November 6, 2014 at select Sephora stores in the US and Canada, Urban Outfitters Herald Square NYC, Sephora.com, UrbanOutfitters.com and ArdencyInn.com.
These products are now available from selected retailers such as Sephora and Urban Outfitters.
The end of August/beginning of September is often a marked time of year for me. There is always a lot going on at that time. A lot of change. For one it is Independence Day on August 31 for my beloved twin-island nation of Trinidad & Tobago. It’s Labour Day in the US, the beginning of Fashion Week in NY and other major cities and it is the unofficial end of summer! I know, heartbreaking!
As you may know, this year, I dedicated to brows and gorgeous skin. I still love a colourful, somewhat complex eye look (that I WILL wear to the gym), but I wanted to see what else I could do, how else I could challenge myself and not just rely on eyeshadows to give me a beautiful look. I have been enjoying glowy skin, minimal eye makeup and bold lips! A clean look with minimal product.
So here are the products that I have reached for over the past few months.
My summer favourites!
Facial oil – my number 1 for glowy skin! I have been experimenting with different brands and also with making my own! Packed with nutrients that help lock in moisture. Great for ALL skin types, including oily ones. Just need to get those that are thin and similar to natural sebum.
Cream eye shadow sticks – There are a lot of them out there. I like the ones from tarte especially this one in rose gold that is shimmery and not glittery and looks natural on my skin. Makeup done in a few seconds.
Modster Eyeliner by Ardency Inn in Cream – a yellow liner that I use on my lower lashline to brighten up my eyes. Better than using a white pencil
Milani Powder Gel Eye Shadow in 04 Bella Caffé – beautiful texture! Almost matte and it is a few shades lighter that my skin color. Looks barely there and it is a great way to get a clean even look on my eye lids when wearing graphic eyeliner and/or bold lips. I recently did a review here.
Senna Eye Color Glow in Cordovan – One of my favourites! Butter smooth shimmer and great for when I want something chocolate on my lid.
NARS Eye Paint in Black Valley – matte black gel liner. A must for hot weather. Does not budge! I use it with an angled brush to create a winged liner or on my lower waterline.
L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara in Carbon Black – recently rediscovered this and I can see why this is a classic. Great formula, actual volume and intense black colour. A great drugstore find!
Cozzette Tapered Vegan brush in S175 – One of the BEST brushes that I have used. I love a beautiful, well designed handle (love the lacquered purple!). And get this, it is vegan i.e. made with synthetic fibres and is super super soft! I will do a review on this soon. Great for laying a wash of colour on the lids or for definition in the crease.
Becca Beach Tint in Papaya – Holy grail product for years. Cream blush that is water resisitant. Can be subtle or bold if you like. I have written about it lots of times. I need to get the liquid version of this!
Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Stained Gloss in Dekadent – Don’t let the tube fool you. This gives a glossy shine with a hint of colour.
Kat Von D Painted Love Lipstick in Stiletto – a reddish orange. LOVE THIS! Gorgeous colour! I have posted it on Instagram many times. Must have for women of colour. Very bold!
Magnolia Makeup Illuminating Powder in Soul Glo – Makeup brand from some fabulous women in New Orleans and this is one of their signature products! I use this a subtle hightlight on the high points of my cheekbones. Always get compliments when using this. Not chunky or glittery. Perfect for dark and very dark skin, but they also have lighter colours.
Becca Cosmetics Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Topaz – lots of hype on this product and it is well deserved! Easy to apply and it just lights up my face. I keep saying, don’t sleep on Becca. They are fantastic and very women of colour friendly. Silky soft and smooth. Finely milled. Gorgeous on the skin. Lots of compliments on that one too!
