Feb faves + trends & tricks
How to "Read" the Tube
When you are shopping at your vendors or a makeup counter, use the "Tissue Test" to see the hidden undertone:
Swipe the lipstick onto a white tissue.
Look at the edges where the pigment thins out.
The Reveal: * If the edge looks Blue/Violet, it’s a Cool Burgundy/Fuchsia (Best for "Cool" dolls).
If the edge looks Brick/Orange, it’s a Warm Burgundy (Best for "Warm" dolls).
If the edge looks Pure Pink, it’s a Neutral (The universal "safe" bet).
MY SIGNATURE LIP COMBO:
This is my power look. It’s structured, moody, and has that perfect gradient that screams she’s a PRO
The Foundation (Prep): Apply a thin layer of MAC Prep + Prime Lip. This isn't just a balm; it’s a "grip" for your color. Let it set for 30 seconds until it feels slightly tacky—this prevents Flat Out Fabulous from feathering and keeps the Nightmoth from moving.
The Architecture (Contour): Line and heavily contour the outer corners with Nightmoth Lip Pencil. Don't just do a thin line; shade the outer thirds of the lip toward the center. This deep plum creates the "3D" shadow that makes the fuchsia lip pop.
The Masterpiece (Color): Press Flat Out Fabulous Retro Matte into the center of the lips and blend outward into the Nightmoth using a 316 Brush. The contrast between the deep wine and the bright plum-pink creates a flawless, high-fashion ombre.
The "Power Pink" (Full Saturation)
This version is for when you want the brightness to do all the talking—no shadows, just pure, vibrant energy.
The Prime: Start again with Prep + Prime Lip. For a full-saturation pink, you need the smoothest canvas possible so the matte texture looks velvety, not dry.
The Frame: Instead of a dark contour, use Magenta Lip Pencil to map out the entire lip. Because this matches the undertone of the lipstick, you aren't creating a shadow; you're creating a "border" that keeps the bright color crisp and prevents it from bleeding.
Pro-Tip: If your lips feel dry after the breakup stress and the cocktail, tap a tiny bit of Clear Lipglass only in the very center of the "Power Pink" look to add a healthy, hydrated "Metamorphosis" glow.
NOVEMBER 2025 - VOLUME II
BLINDED BY THE FLUSH:
THE ART OF BLUSH BLINDNESS
THE CONCEPT OF "BLUSH BLINDNESS" IS THE MODERN-DAY BEAUTY PHENOMENON WHERE THE CONTINUOUS, HABITUAL APPLICATION OF BLUSH LEADS A PERSON TO BECOME DESENSITIZED TO THE PRODUCT'S INTENSITY, RESULTING IN A SIGNIFICANTLY HEAVIER APPLICATION THAN THEY INITIALLY INTENDED—OR THAT AN OUTSIDE OBSERVER MIGHT DEEM "NORMAL."
THIS ISN'T A LITERAL AFFLICTION, BUT A METAPHORICAL ONE, CAPTURING A MOMENT OF OVERZEALOUS ARTISTRY IN THE PURSUIT OF THE PERFECT, HEALTHY FLUSH.
THE DESIRE FOR A PRONOUNCED, ROSY CHEEK IS FAR FROM NEW.
HISTORICALLY, THE VISIBLE FLUSH HAS BEEN A POWERFUL SOCIAL SIGNIFIER, SYMBOLIZING YOUTH, VIGOR, AND HIGH SOCIAL STANDING. IN THE OPULENT FRENCH COURTS OF THE 18TH CENTURY, BOTH ARISTOCRATIC MEN AND WOMEN WOULD APPLY THICK, DRAMATIC CIRCLES OF ROUGE, MADE FROM CINNABAR OR SAFFLOWER, AS A CLEAR BADGE OF LUXURY AND LEISURE, SIGNALING THEY DID NOT LABOR OUTDOORS.
THIS ERA, IN PARTICULAR, CHAMPIONED A MAXIMALIST APPROACH TO CHEEK COLOR THAT ECHOES TODAY'S UNAPOLOGETIC LAYERING. IN STARK CONTRAST, THE VICTORIAN ERA SAW WOMEN DISCREETLY PINCHING THEIR CHEEKS OR USING SUBTLE HOMEMADE BEETROOT STAINS, YET THE UNDERLYING MOTIVATION REMAINED: TO APPEAR VIBRANTLY ALIVE AND HEALTHY.
THE CONTEMPORARY RESURRECTION OF THE HEAVY-BLUSH LOOK IS INTRINSICALLY TIED TO THE EXPLOSION OF BEAUTY CONTENT ON SOCIAL MEDIA. AFTER A DECADE DOMINATED BY SHARP CONTOURING AND SUBTLE CHEEK COLOR, THE PENDULUM SWUNG BACK TOWARDS A SOFTER, MORE ROMANTIC, AND NOTABLY, MUCH HEAVIER APPLICATION. MODERN BEAUTY INFLUENCERS, AND EVEN CELEBRITIES LIKE SABRINA CARPENTER AND HAILEY BIEBER, HAVE BECOME THE POSTER CHILDREN FOR THE TREND, INSPIRING MILLIONS TO EMBRACE A DOLL-LIKE, PERPETUALLY FLUSHED CHEEK. THE SHEER VOLUME AND INTENSITY OF PRODUCT USED IN SOME TUTORIALS HAS GIVEN RISE TO THE PHRASE WE'VE REFERENCED BEFORE: BLUSH SMOOTHIES, A PERFECT DESCRIPTION FOR THE LAYERED, ULTRA-BLENDED CHEEK. THE MAKEUP ARTISTS AND INFLUENCERS PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES OF CHEEK COLOR, PARTICULARLY WITH DRAPING AND SUNBURN BLUSH PLACEMENT (ACROSS THE NOSE AND CHEEKS), HAVE MADE THE LOOK A BADGE OF HONOR.
THE MARKET HAS RESPONDED WITH AN INFLUX OF HIGHLY PIGMENTED AND INNOVATIVE FORMULAS PERFECT FOR BUILDING UP THIS SUPER-SATURATED LOOK.
here are my favorite tips for
multi-utilization
of a single product:
VOLUME I
CONSIDER TRYING..
Eyeshadow as Liner: Using a deep eyeshadow (taupe, black, or berry) wet with a setting spray to create a soft, grungy eyeliner.
Lip Tints as Cheek Stain: Utilizing the popular lip tints—especially the new water-color inspired, sheer shades—by quickly dabbing a tiny amount onto the cheekbones and blending immediately for a natural, long-lasting 'fresh-air' flush. This technique is key to the overall effortless, chic winter vibe.
Blush as Eyeshadow/Contour: Applying a cream or liquid blush (rosy pinks, soft peaches) to the cheeks, blending the remainder up onto the temples, and tapping a tiny bit onto the center of the eyelids for a unified monochromatic flush.
