BLOG-torial feat. black|Up Cosmetics :: Hot Pink Smokey Eyes and Ombre Lips

While my signature look leans more on bold vampy lips and simple eye makeup, I like to break up this predictability from time to time. Today I went rather audacious with hot pink smokey eyes and ombre lips using black|Up Cosmetics, the first upscale makeup brand catering to women of color. Founded in 1999, the company has cult following in Europe, particularly France where it ranked #1 in the ethnic category. Makeup to me is all-encompassing and borderless. While foundation is naturally selective based on skin color and needs, the rest is up to one's creativity. With that said, I am glad to have discovered black|Up because some of the products I have tried are at par with mainstream designer brands I own to-date. I promise to do separate reviews but for now, let me show you how I went from drab to fab *drum roll ladies and gents*

sneak peak of fabulosity

Here are the specific makeups I used for this blog-torial:

Rouge 38 is a stunning purple pink matte lipstick which is obviously my favorite. Rouge 09 is terra-cotta with satin finish. Both are creamy and undeniably pigmented in one pass.

Another favorite from the set which I am still road-testing, Ombre 5 Couleurs is a captivating palette featuring perfectly-coordinated and trendy eyeshadows. PAL02 has 2 mattes (dark brown and flesh), 2 sheen (copper brown and hot pink), and one glittery (gold). Offhand, I like the blendability of both mattes and copper brown. Gold has some fallouts but is quickly remedied when applied wet. Hot pink packs a punch especially when applied wet on the lids.

Next up is Palette de Correcteurs, a cream concealer palette in varying shades. I used the darkest to add warmth and dimension to my face, the lightest to hide dark under eyes.

Another hit in the pigmentation department, Blush 09 is orange terra-cotta with matte and slightly iridescent finish. It's out of my comfort zone, a totally unique shade I am willing to rock more than ever.

A CC Cream with light to medium coverage, CC Cream Multi-Action is free from parabens, oils and fragrance. I like to apply it using damp beauty sponge. The shade I received is a tad darker (CC 01) but still workable nonetheless. It did oxidize but not to oompa loompa level, thank goodness!

Curious how I created this look? here's how...

1. I always start with a clean canvass (wash face and moisturize).
2. I mist my face for better foundation or CC cream application.
3. Concealer is my ally when it comes to hiding dark circles and minor imperfections (some redness and acne marks).
4. I rarely contour but today, this zilla is feelin' it.
5. I used beauty sponge to blend out harsh contour lines.
6. I set the concealer by lightly pressing finely-milled powder foundation.
7. I buffed powder foundation on areas where I get icky-greasy.

Still with me? let's tackle the eyes, lips and cheeks...

1. As always, I rely on eye primer for more color impact and longevity.
2. I start by defining my "missing crease" by placing and blending matte brown eyeshadow above the hollows of my eyes.
3. For transitional color, I like to combine matte brown with sheen copper.
4. For that unexpected pop of color, I lightly pressed hot pink eyeshadow on the outer and inner corner of my eyelid.
5. For added drama, I used glittery gold (applied wet) on the center of my lid.
6. Under the brow, I applied flesh eyeshadow.
7. I also smudged dark brown and sheen copper along my lower lash line.
8. I applied black kohl eyeliner on my waterline, then used liquid liner for cat eyes.
9. As per usual, I curled my lashes and applied two coats of mascara.
10. For my cheeks, I thought orange terra-cota is the way to wow.
11. Ombre lips are easy. I swiped Rouge 09 predominantly on my mouth then applied Rouge 38 on the center. No rules, really!

For a limited time, black|up is offering 20% discount with code LOVE15. Valid from 2/12 to 2/28/15.

This is a collaborative post with the fabulous ladies behind The Beauty Council, check out their respective makeups and spread some love!