Beauty Deal of The Week

Beauty Deal:

For this week only, enjoy 20% off of any lip product and 10% on all other beauty products (deal does not include brushes).

Deal valid: July 12 - July 18,2009

For more information on Illusions Cosmetics products, log on to www.illusionsbeauty.com

Beauty Tip Of the Week

Beauty Tip Of The Week

TIP:
Don't get stuck using the same foundations year after year. If you love what you are using, great. Keep using it. But, it's always good to change the type (liquid, cream, etc) of foundation that you are using based on your skin and the seasons. During the Spring/Summer, you may need something thats lighter in texture (liquid). During the Fall/Winter, your skin may need a little extra moisture. In this case, a cream would work. The most important thing to remember is, keep trying until you discover what works best for you.

Be Beautiful & Blessed!!

~Denise

A New Favorite: Kaia Bamboo Facial Cloths

For those of us with sensitive skin, there is new facial cleansing cloth in town. Introducing the Bamboo Facial Cleansing Cloths from Kaia Naturals. Made out of 100% natural bamboo, these unbleached clothes can be used as an eye makeup remover, a toner, and a facial cleanser. The clothes are packed with some wonderful ingredients to include a blend of pure citrus oils, thats where the lovely fragrance comes from, Canadian honey, and sunflower seed oil. When I first tried them, I was attracted to the fragrance. Thats always the first step for me, if it doesn't smell nice, I am hesitant to try it. It has such a refreshing fragrance, very light, but nice. The cloths are very gentle on the skin which is also important to me, because if it doen't feel right, thats not going to work either. I"ve tried several makeup wipes on my clients, but now I have a new favorite which I will be using on my clients as well as myself. The bamboo facial cleansing cloths retail for $17.99 and there are 30 per pack. Check out http://www.kaianaturals.com/ for more information.

Beauty Tip Of The Week

Beauty Tip Of The Week:

Never go to bed with makeup on. Always cleanse your skin twice a day...once in the morning and once at night before bed.

You will notice a major difference in your skin with proper cleansing and moisturizing. For more tips, stay tuned!!

Beauty Deal of The Week

Beauty Deal Of The Week:

For this week, take advantage of FREE shipping on all orders $50 or more.

Beauty Deal valid from July 5, 2009 - July 11, 2009.

True Shimmer

I was a little curoius when I received the new Chapstick lip balms in the mail. I thought, "Wow", Chapstick is doing something different. They did something different alright. They added shimmer to the balms as well as different flavors. I tried all of the ones that I received. I didn't like the shimmer in the lip balm because it is very noticeable. It's not at all subtle the way the label stated. It also left my lips looking 'white'. Didn't like that at all!! For more reviews on this product, log on to http://www.totalbeauty.com/reviews

H.I.P. - 'High Intensity Pigment'

High Intensity Pigment was what I was expecting when I applied the color presso lip gloss, but instead I got thick, sticky gloss all over my lips. The texture of the gloss was too thick for me. It was not as bad as some lines, but I'm used to nice moisture in a gloss and not something thats going to make my hair stick to my lips. I loved the color. It was #182, Trendy. I can't really say much more about this one because it didn't really impress me. For more reviews on L'Oreal HIP, visit http://www.totalbeauty.com/reviews

L'Oreal HIP is kinda 'hip'!

L'Oreal Hip High Intensity Pigments - Kohl Eyeliner

I received a couple of cool looking products from L'Oreal HIP that I enjoyed trying out. The colors intrigued me. I received a navy kohl eyeliner that I use all the time. I wasn't so sure at first when I saw the felt tip applicator. I didn't know what to with it. I wasn't sure if it needed to be wet or not. After clearing up the confusion, I loved it. I totally recommend the eyeliner. It comes in other great colors like gold, burgundy, teal, etc. For more reviews on L'Oreal Hip and other beauty products, log on to http://www.totalbeauty.com/reviews

Beauty Tip Of The week

Whenever your skin has had too much yellow or olive foundation, warm it up with some red foundation.

IMATS - What a BLAST!!!

The International Makeup Artist Trade Show (IMATS)- Pasadena, CA affectionately called, 'The Show' is two days (June 20-21,2009) of pure joy (for me anyway). The show is produced by Makeup Artist Magazine (Publisher Michael Key). Before I go any further, I must clear up something. IMATS has been around for more than 10 years. It is currently being confused with another show produced by the other Michael. The Makeup Show is produced by Michael DeVellis of the Powder Group. That show has been around for a few years now. What's so special about IMATS (The Show) is that it is really for those who love the 'art' of makeup. If you want to create creatures and apply bald caps this show is for you. If you want to create great beauty fantasy looks, this show is for you. It covers every aspect of makeup. Although, I do wish that it would incorporate a little more special effects and tone down a little on some of the beauty makeup companies. Don't get me wrong, but there are a lot of companies with the same product (ex. Mineral makeup with glitter and shimmer shadows and pigment). All in all, this has been the best IMATS show in a long time. Great job!!

Denise Tunnell
www.illusionsbeauty.com

Beauty Tip Of The Week

Beauty Tip Of The Week

To correct a short chin, begin below the lip and highlight down to the end of the chin. This will give the appearance of an elongated chin.

To correct an elongated chin, shade underneath the chin in a darker shade of foundation. This will shorten the chin.

For more beauty tips, check us out on Twitter at www.twitter.com/illusionsbeauty.

Beauty Deal Of The Week

Beauty Deal Of The Week

Its Summer time and everyone deserves a 'break'! Join Illusions Cosmetics as we take a short break and offer you a big one.

Enjoy 30% off of all purchases of $50 or more.

Check out products online at www.illusionsbeauty.com. Or, you may call us for more information at 866-436-6409.

This beauty deal is valid June 13 - June 20, 2009.

Beauty Deal Of The Week

Beauty Deal Of The Week

Sparkle, Shimmer, and Shine

In honor of our annual Sparkle, Shimmer, and Shine event in Los Angeles, CA, we are offering all customers 25% off of the purchase of any Lustre lipgloss as well as any eyedust.

This beauty deal is valid June 7 - June 13, 2009.

Beauty Tip Of The Week

Beauty Tip Of The Week

I was walking through the mall on Saturday, headed to F2O (Fresh To Order) and I saw a Latino woman who looked to be in her early to mid 20's. Her lips were lined with BLACK eyeliner. UGH!!!!!! Thats a no,no in my book! Here are the reasons why this is not a good idea:

1) It doesn't look good at all
2) Its dated. Woman of color were doing this in the 80's. It's 2009!!! Stop it!
3) It doesn't complement anyone's lips.
4) Eyeliner is meant for the eyes and not the lips.
5) There is not ONE cosmetics company that makes black lipliner (if there is, please let me know)

TIP:
Please do not wear Black eyeliner on your lips!
I did not want to go there with you all, but I had to!!!

Be Beautiful & Blessed!!
~Denise

Toll FREE Beauty!!!

Illusions Cosmetics has a **NEW** phone number. When calling to order products or calling to speak to one of the owners (Janice and/or Denise), you can now call using our toll free number.

The Toll FREE Beauty number is 866-436-6409.

We look forward to your call!! Be Beautiful & Blessed!!

Denise & Janice

Beauty Deal Of The Week

Beauty Deal Of The Week:

Friends & Family Week:
All Friends & Family of Illusions Cosmetics may enjoy a 20% discount on your purchases this week at IllusionsBeauty. By 'Friends & Family', we are referring to ALL of our Social Network Friends. If you are a friend of Illusions on * Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, Plaxo, Linkedn, Plurk, Brown Beauty Bloggers, Black Business Women Online, Black Startup Biz, Alluring Looks, Blog Talk Radio, Global Grind, You Tube, BeBo, and even members of Total Beauty, this discount is for you!!! If you are not a friend, why not get connected!!!

Be Beautiful & Blessed,

Denise & Janice Tunnell

* All profiles are for Illusions Cosmetics, and/or Denise or Janice Tunnell

Beauty Tip Of The Week

TIP
Now that summer is approaching and the weather is HOT,HOT,HOT, its definitely time to get our skin in shape. If you find that your skin is extremely dry and it needs a little extra help, try applying a little 'Whoop Ash' and see how much of a difference it will make. It promises to provide your skin with the moisture that it needs with it's white honey, mango, and shea butter. On Tuesday, June 2nd, you will be able to try it for yourself. Available at Whoop Ash

Beauty Tip Of The Week

There are new products being introduced to us everyday online, in various magazine, blogs, and stores. We are quick to try them out because of the enticing ads or beautiful displays. Before you buy skin care and or cosmetic products, i have a few suggestions.

TIP:
Understand what you are buying
- Learn what the product will do for you
- Learn what the major ingredients are in the product
- Decide if the product is for your particular skin type
- Make sure you understand how to use the product

I hope these tips are helpful when you make your next beauty purchase.

Be Beautiful & Blessed!!

Beauty Talk With Illusions - Blog Talk Radio

Beauty Talk With Illusions - Blog Talk Radio

A conversation on Beauty and "Whoop Ash" Skin Care with Sheree Fletcher, ex wife of Will Smith. Tune in to hear about Sheree's journey to becoming an entrepreneur. Check us out on May 28th at 9pm EST/6pm PST right here on "Beauty Talk." Call in Number 914.803.4399
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Beauty Deal Of The Week

Beauty Deal of The Week

Take 30% off of your purchase of $65 or more

Take 20% off of your purchase of $45 - $64

Take 10% off of your purchase of $25 - $44

Please visit http://www.illusionsbeauty.com/ to make your purchase

This deal is valid from May 24 - May 30, 2009

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

***MEMORIAL DAY - Beauty Deal***

For the first 10 people to visit http://www.illusionsbeauty.com/ and place an order for $65 or more will receive the lustre lipgloss 'Drew' from our "Young Hollywood" collection.

This Beauty Deal is valid for one day only - Memorial Day.

Beauty Tip Of The Week

Last Thursday, we had the opportunity to interview our friend, actress Essnce Atkins on our Blog Talk Radio Show - Beauty Talk With Illusions. At Illusions, we often ask the question, "What is beauty to you?" Essence's answer is our 'Beauty tip" this week.

TIP:

"Beauty is the embodiment of kindness,love, and consideration".

For more of our interview with Essence Atkins, go to http://www.blogger.com/www.blogtalkradio.com/illusions-cosmetics

Beauty Deal of The Week

Weekly Beauty Deal:

Beauty Savings Pass:

Take $10 off of your purchase of $30 or more*

Take $15 off of your purchase of $45 or more*

Take $25 off of your purchase of $70 or more*

This pass is valid May 17 through May 23, 2009

* All purchase price requirements are before taxes.

Beauty Deal of The Week

Beauty Deal of The Week:

We have an exciting Blog Talk Radio show coming up this week on Thursday, May 14th with Essence Atkins. Our show on April 30th with The Makeup Girl (Lianne Farbes) was pretty exciting as well. Check it out at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/illusions-cosmetics. While you are there, take the time to rate the show, mark it as a favorite, and/or leave a comment. If you do, you will receive some great discounts. When you make your next Illusions purchase, take advantage of the following discounts:

1) rate the April 30th show and receive 50% off
2) mark the April 30th show as a favorite and receive 30% off
3) comment on the April 30th show and receive 10% off

Enjoy the show on Beauty Blogging with The Makeup Girl and join us again on May 14th at 9pm EST when we 'talk beauty' with Essence Atkins.

Beauty Tip Of The Week

For healthy clean skin, I recommend you do the following:

TIP:
1) Cleanse your skin two times per day with a cleanser thats appropriate for your skin type
2) Gently exfoliate your skin at least twice per week. (I do not suggest exfoliating more than twice per week. You may strip your skin of its natural moisture)
3) Apply a moisturizer daily with sunscreen of at least SPF 15

In the evening (second cleanse), do not exfoliate if you exfoliated during the day (remember only two times per week). Also, apply a moisturizer without a sunscreen. Sunscreen only needs to be worn during the day.

Total Beauty - Max Factor

Max Factor - Vivid Impact LipColor (#4 - Pin Up Pink)

After years of wearing only lipgloss, I decided that 2009 I would try wearing more lipstick. When I received the Max Factor Vivid Impact Lip Color, I thought, "now is my chance." I wasn't too crazy about the color, but I made it work. Without a lip balm, the lipstick did not add much moisture at all to my lips. I had to add a lip balm in order for the product to feel good on my lips. The lipstick was average, but I've had better. To read more reviews on this lipcolor or on any other Max Factor product, go to http://www.blogger.com/www.totalbeauty.com/reviews

Beauty Talk With Illusions - Blog Talk Radio

Blog Talk Radio & Illusions Cosmetics

Join Denise & Janice on Beauty Talk with Illusions on Blog Talk Radio on Thursday, May 14th at 9pm EST when we are joined by our guest and friend Essence Atkins (Smart Guy, Half & Half, Dance Flick, Deliver Us from Eva). Essence will be discussing her upcoming movie, Dance Flick as well as what's in her beauty bag. She will let us in on her beauty tricks and tips. Join us at www.blogtalkradio.com/illusions-cosmetics. Spread the word!!!!!

Total Beauty - Max Factor

Max Factor - 2000 Calorie Extreme Lash Plumper

When I received this mascara in the mail, I thought, "Wow, another mascara. Let's see how different this one is going to be." I loved the length and especially the fullness of my lashes after application. I didn't really care for the fat brush. It felt really akward in my hand. All in all, this is a nice mascara. It does what it says it's going to do. To read more of this review and other beauty reviews, go to http://www.totalbeauty.com/productreviews

Beauty Tip Of The Week

If you find that you have really dry skin or you are applying makeup to someone with dry skin, you definitely want to moisturize.

TIP: To give your skin the extra glow that it desires, use products that will add the moisture that it needs. For example, cream foundations, very little powder, misting moisture sprays (Illusions finishing spray), and cream blush.

For suggestions of more products, visit www.illusionsbeauty.com

For more tips, email your questions and suggestions to info@illusionsbeauty.com

Beauty Deal Of The Week

Weekly Beauty Deal:

For the week of May 3 - may 9, 2009

In honor of Mother's Day, take 50% off of your entire Illusions Beauty order. For this week only!!

Offer expires: May 9, 2009.

For info on products, go to http://www.illusionsbeauty.com/

Beauty Product Shopping Made Easy

If you are looking for a 'one stop shop' to purchase your beauty products, be sure to check out Spiral Haircase (http://www.spiralhaircase.com). Spiral Haircase offers haircare, nail care, skin care, cosmetics (coming soon), and tanning products. Illusions Cosmetics is happy to announce the special promotion that is offered through www.spiralhaircase.com. For clients that order before June 30, 2009 and use the special coupon code BBBCILLUBTY1, they will receive 10% off of their first order. All orders will show a shipping charge of $5.95 at checkout. If your total purchases total more than $30 before discount, shipping charges will be removed prior to your credit card being processed. Please allow 14 days for your order to arrive. Have fun when ordering and let us know what you find!!

Beauty Tip of The Week

There are quite a few women (mostly women of color) who are burdened with trying to figure out how to lighten their dark underarms. In order to do this, we must consider the source. Here are a few reasons for dark armpits:

1) Uric acid (from sweat)
2) Dark, thick shaved hairs beneath the skin (shaved hairs are removed from the top of the follice and not beneath)
3) Certain brands of deodarants & antiperspirants
4) Buildup of dead skin cells

Tip: To lighten underarm area, wax and do not shave. Waxing will remove the entire hair from the follicle and will not leave visible hair underneath the skin. Exfoliating dead skin cells will also aid in the lightening process.

Any questions, submit them to info@illusionsbeauty.com

Be Beautiful & Blessed!!

Weekly Beauty Deal

Beauty Deal of The Week:

The weather is starting to heat up and so should your makeup look. Take advantage of our 'beauty deal' this week.

Beauty Deal:

Buy ANY Illusions Cosmetics product at regular price and get the second product for 50% off!!

This beauty deal starts today, Sunday, April 26th and expires on Saturday, May 2, 2009

Ask Illusions

Ask Illusions:

(Q.)

Hi Denise,

I did my research and discovered you were the makeup artist on the set of 'atl.' :)

I have loooved makeup my whole life and have really enjoyed playing with colors and looks over the years. I am a true, true makeup connoiseur :)
I have a four year old now and as much as I'd love to glam up each day, I have less and less time to do my face each morning.
could you please tell me what products you used on lauren london to create her beautifully natural makeup look in the movie 'Atl' (brands and shades)? I am especially interested in knowing what you used on her lips, ie. liners and glosses, eye makeup, etc...

Thank You So Much :)

Kiki
-----------

(A.)

Hi Kiki! Thanks for reaching out to me. I used my products from my cosmetics line Illusions Cosmetics (www.illusionsbeauty.com). As far as base/foundation on her face, I hate to admit it, but we used Bare Minerals powder. I forget the colors. Mineral makeup is not great for film. Bare Minerals had a lot of shimmer in it. I had to use powder from my line to remove some of the shimmer (without Lauren knowing :-)). Lauren wanted to use the Bare Minerals, but that was her first movie so she didn't really know what was good for film or not. She just knew that she liked Bare Minerals and wanted to use it. Some of the colors from my line that I used were: lips- Nectar, Tropical (these colors are very sheer). Blush - pink ice, azaleaEyes - ladies night, Prissy, sunshine, peach ice (one of these colors were used on most days depending on the scenes). Some days other colors may have been used depending on her wardrobe in a particular scene. I hope this helps.

Beauty Talk With Illusions on Blog Talk Radio

Coming, April 30, 2009 at 9pm on Blog Talk Radio is Beauty Talk With Illusions and Beauty blogger Lianne Farbes (The Makeup Girl). Lianne will join us to talk about beauty and the impact that she has on the beauty industry with her blog. To join us on the show, go to www.blogtalkradio.com/illusions-cosmetics or call in to 914.803-4399.

For more information, contact us at info@illusionsbeauty.com

Beauty Tip Of The Week

Applying Bronzer:
Now that summer is approaching, more women are wearing bronzers and shimmer powders. If you are going to wear them, they must be worn properly.

TIP:
1) If you are going to wear foundation, apply it first before applying bronzer.
2) Apply bronzer to your brush and tap off excess.
3) Using circular motions, apply to your hairline, jawline, chin, cheeks, and the bridge of your nose.

Some brands of bronzers that I like:
Cargo
Covergirl
Lorac
Illusions Cosmetics (coming soon)

Beauty Deal Of The Week

Weekly Beauty Deal - Week of April 19, 2009 - April 25, 2009


This 'Beauty Deal' is for ALL Beauty Bloggers. All purchases made on http://www.illusionsbeauty.com/ by a beauty blogger will receive 20% off of total purchases.


* Please provide us with the link to your 'beauty' blog when ordering or at info@illusionsbeauty.com.

Love, Love, Love It!!!!!!

Gillette Venus Embrace

I absolutely LOVE this razor. I'm normally afraid to use razors alot, but this one is the best. It gave me such a smooth shave. I did not nick myself once. It left my skin feeling silky smooth. I also love the fact that I have somewhere to store the razor in the shower. I would definately recommend this product.

For more product reviews http://www.totalbeauty.com/productreview

Beauty Tip Of The Week

Spring 2009 Bridal Beauty Tips

Bridal season is rapidly approaching. Illusions Cosmetics wants to help you create a beautiful makeup look by sharing a few Bridal makeup tips. Following these tips will help you to create makeup looks that you will treasure on your wedding day and years to come in your wedding video and photos.
1)Your skin should be healthy and refreshed.
2) All facial waxing (brows, lip, chin) should be done at least two weeks before the big day. Only minor cleanup should be done, if necessary, on the day of the wedding.
3)Cheek color should be very subtle with shades of peach and pinks.
4)Pastels and shades of caramels and browns can be used on the eyes for a soft look. Pinks, corals, reds, and wines should be used to give the lips a pop of color.

Your wedding look should not look like your everyday makeup look. There should definitely be a difference in what you apply and how much you apply. Apply enough foundation to give you the proper coverage for your photos. This look should not be the same as your ‘day’ look or your ‘evening’ look. The remaining tips are more suggestions on making your big day perfect.

1. Apply a makeup primer before applying foundation on your wedding day. The primer forms a barrier between your skin and the makeup and it helps the makeup stay on all day.
2. Avoid trendy eye shadow colors so that your makeup won't look dated in your wedding photos.
3. Get your makeup professionally applied. It makes a huge difference in your photos
4. Use water proof mascara.
5. Using a charcoal, navy or mahogany eye liner will look a lot softer than black or brown liners that often have a severe look.
6. Pale lip colors will make you look washed out with a white gown; therefore try brighter lip colors on your wedding day.
7. Avoid using eye shadows with shimmer
8. Prime the eye so that eye shadow will last all day.
9. Use foundations with a yellow undertone, they create a warm, healthy appearance in photos.
10. Avoid alcohol and certain foods, the night before your wedding. Misuse of alcohol will have you looking less than your best on your wedding day.

For more tips, stay tuned to Beauty Talk With Illusions. You can also check us out on Blog Talk Radio at www.blogtalkradio.com/illusions-cosmetics.

L'Oreal EverPure Moisture Shampoo & Conditioner

When I first received the L'Oreal Paris EverPure products (shampoo & conditioner) in the mail, I wasn't sure they would work well with my hair type. My hair is naturally curly and kinky. I thought that I would try the products for a month before doing the review ( I only shampoo once a week). I just figured that I would need products that were geared towards women of color. Boy was I wrong about these products!! They were amazing! The shampoo is scented with rosemary and juniper. It lathered very well ,even on the first shampoo. It left my hair feeling very soft and well moisturised without using a lot of product. The conditioner is scented with rosemary and mint. It left my hair soft and manageable and full of body. It didn't have a dull look. The great thing about these products are, they are sulfate-free, contain Vitamin E, do not strip hair of color, and they are 100% vegan. What more can you ask for??!!

For more product reviews, go tohttp://www.totalbeauty.com/productreview

Beauty Deal Of The Week

Illusions Cosmetics Weekly 'Beauty Deal': For the week of April 12, 2009 - April 18, 2009

Buy any 3 Lustre lipglosses (from Cinematic Faves or Young Hollywood collection) and receive a free lipgel.

To make your Lustre lipgloss selections, go to http://www.illusionsbeauty.com/

Offer expires: Sat, April 18, 2009

Beauty Tip Of The Week

Lately, I've been talking to people who have not practiced the best facial cleansing habits. It is VERY important to cleanse your skin properly, both morning and night. Even on the days that you are not wearing makeup, but you are wearing the outside ELEMENTS (dust, dirt, pollen, etc) you should cleanse twice a day.

TIP:
Always cleanse your face! Always cleanse your face with a facial cleanser.

Be Beautiful & Blessed!!

Ask Illusions

Q. What are the basic 10 makeup brushes that I should have?

A. In my opinion, a basic set of makeup brushes should include:

1) powder brush
2) blush brush
3) lip brush
4) eyshadow fluff brush
5) eyeshadow crease brush
6) eyebrow brush
7) eyeliner brush

These are the basic 7 brushes. If you want 10 brushes, then add a foundation brush, a kabuki brush, and some type of dual ended eyebrush. Hopefully this helps.
For more answers to your questions, send questions to info@illusionsbeauty.com

Beauty Deal Of The Week

Beauty Deal Of The Week for week ending April 11, 2009

Illusions Cosmetics is offering the following 'Beauty Deal' (offer expires Sat, April 11, 2009):

1) Buy the complete set of the 'Young Hollywood' collection of Lustre lipglosses for only $48 (a $54 value)

2) Buy any 3 lustre lipglosses from the 'Young Hollywood' collection for $25

Beauty Deal Of The Week

Illusions Cosmetics is extending its 'Beauty Deal' from last week by continuing to offer 20% off of all purchases made this week on www.illusionsbeauty.com

* This Beauty Deal ends on Saturday April 4, 2009.

Beauty Tip Of The Week

For super soft lips in the morning, try applying lip balm/moisturiser to your lips before going to bed.

My absolute favorite lip balm is Rosebud Salve. What more can I say, 'it's the BEST'!!

You can also try the other balms from the Rosebud Perfume Co. in Mocha Rose, Menthol & Eucalyptus , Brambleberry Rose, Strawberry, and Minted Rose.

Beauty Deal of The Week

In honor of the Spring season, Illusions Cosmetics is offering 20% off of all purchases made this week on www.illusionsbeauty.com

* This Beauty Deal ends on Saturday March, 28, 2009.

Beauty Tip Of The Week

Now that Spring is here, it's time for a change. Do something different with your makeup. Most women tend to wear less makeup in the Spring and Summer. If that's the case with you, try different products that serve more than one purpose.

TIP: If possible, stop using foundation during the warm weather and just use your press powder. Use a 'warm' shimmer blush as blush and bronzer. Put down the lip liners and lipsticks and only use your lip glosses.

For suggestions of Illusions products log on to http://www.illusionsbeauty.com/.

Praise for Illusions' Foundation Stix

Here is a message that we receive from a customer who purchase products from Illusions Cosmetics all the time. She was kind enough to send us her review of the Foundation Stix and the Company. Its informative and well worth the read. It should answer any questions one might have about the Foundation Stix.

---- Forwarded message -Date: Fri, 13 Mar 2009 17:41:38 -0700 (PDT)From: Tamara Brown Subject: foundaton reviewTo: info@illusionsbeauty.com Hello, here is my review of the stick foundation. I emailed the company and they were extremely generous in sending samples of various shades so that I could find the best match. I purchased the Illusions Cosmetics stick foundation in Rich Mocha (IC 11). This is the first stick foundation I have used.I was very pleased with the customer service and the package arrived in excellent condition via priority mail.I have combination skin (very oily on the forehead, cheeks, and chin) and I am prone to hormonal acne breakouts. I also have some skin sensitivity to certain cosmetic ingredients.I have received numerous compliments on my skin ("Your skin is so smooth, it's almost perfect") since I began wearing this foundation. I have not experienced any sensitivity issues with this product.I like the portability of the stick foundation and I can control the amount of coverage I am looking for on a given day (a few swipes for light coverage, more swipes for medium/full coverage).This foundation has not caused any clogged pores leading to acne or dermatitis. The color is a PERFECT match for my skintone. The color does not turn "ashy" on my face, nor does it "oxidize" and leave my face darker than my neck. The foundation is extremely easy to blend once applied and feels light on my face. I have not experienced the dreaded "transfer effect" (makeup rubbing off on clothes) while using this foundation. A big plus in my book! I purchased the loose powder in "Butternut" and I am very pleased with that product. It set the stick foundation very well without changing the color and helps keep facial oils at bay. A little goes a long way! I recommend Illusions Cosmetics to Women of Color who are looking for quality makeup that will allow women to look and feel their best.

T. Brown
San Luis Obisipo, CA

Beauty Deal Of The Week

Purchase $50 or more of Illusions Cosmetics products from www.illusionsbeauty.com and receive a FREE Lipgel.

* This Beauty Deal begins today and ends on Saturday, March 21, 2009

Beauty Tip Of The Week

Confidence is the NEW 'Pretty'!

Total Beauty Needs Your Help!

Buy a T-Shirt by 9 p.m. Eastern - Help Natural Disaster Victims!Total Beauty is in a race to raise money for natural disaster victims -- all proceeds fund this amazing program that takes washing machines to families hit by natural disasters. Go <a href="http://www.totalbeauty.com/editors_blogs/Buy-a-TShirt-by-9-pm-Eastern-Help-Natural-Disaster-Victims">here</a> for more! Or you can just go buy a cute "Loads of Hope" T-shirt <a href="http://tide4.com/">here for $20</a
Be Beautiful & Blessed!!

Denise Tunnell
Co-Owner
Illusions Cosmetics
770.354.1797 c /310.748.3489 bus
denise@illusionsbeauty.com
www.illusionsbeauty.com



Sent via my BlackBerry BOLD for Illusions Cosmetics

Beauty Tip Of The Week

Spring is approaching and soon we will start to lighten the load by coming out of some of those heavy Winter clothes (depending on where you live). We will also start to wear less makeup in the Spring.

TIP:
For a fresh spring time look, replace your blush with a shimmer blush or shimmer bronzer.


Be Beautiful & Blessed!!

How To Choose The Perfect Lipstick or Lipgloss Color

It's not hard to choose lipstick colors once you know one simple fact. All you need to know is whether your skin tones are "warm" or "cool". It's not about how dark or light you are, or even about your hair or eye color, but what the undertone of your skin is--is it bluish (cool) or yellowish (warm)? Everyone is either warm or cool and it's all about your facial coloring: blondes, brunettes and redheads can be either one. So how can you tell if you aren't sure? Dig through your makeup bag and find just two shades of any kind of makeup--lip color, eye shadow or blush. Find one color that is orange or rust and another that is pink or lavender. Rub one color on the apple of your cheek and the other color on the apple of the other cheek and then compare. Does one look more "right" than the other? Does one look garish or just wrong? The color that works will show you your skin tone. If the orange color looks right, you have warm tones; if the pink color looks right, you are cool.

(Tips from 'Beauty Tips')


Be Beautiful & Blessed!!


Illusions Cosmetics
310.748.3489
www.illusionsbeauty.com
info@illusionsbeauty.com

Beauty Tip Of The Week

"Choosing Makeup For Your Skin Type"

This weekly series comes in perfect time for our Blog Talk Radio Show with Dr. Angelo P. Thrower (medical doctor specializing in skin care for Women of Color) on Thursday, March 9th at 9pm at www.blogtalkradio.com/illusions-cosmetics.

The condition of your skin varies from day to day. It can change at any given time depending on your emotions, your health, and the conditions of the environment (sun, wind, etc). No one has the same skin as any one else. The first skin condition that we will explore is 'oily skin'.

Oily Skin
If You have an oily skin type, you do not want to use products that are creme based. This will add more oil to the skin resulting in greater problems. This skin type should use powder based products. Powder products won't crease on oily skin. This skin type, as well as all others, should follow a cleansing routine every morning and every night. Cleansing at night is especially important to rid the skin of excess oil, dirt, grime, and makeup. Proper cleansing will aid in preventing blemishes and blackheads.

Some Suggestions on Illusions products to use on oily skin:

Eyeshadow Base (primer) - liquid to powder formula - $10 - prepares the eyes to hold eyeshadow as well as prevents oily eye lids.

Anti-Shine Serum - $22 - formulated with silica shells to make shine vanish

Until the next time, Be Beautiful & Blessed!!

Alicia Key's Red Carpet Oscar Look

I asked Ashunta Sherriff, Alicia's Keys' fabulous Facebeater how she achieved Alicia's look, and

this is what she had to say:

"Hey babe here's my look and products behind Alicia's look for The Oscars.
I wanted to invoke the essence of Old Hollywood glam with Alicia Keys, my long time client. I felt after a very inspirational radio show with Janice and Denise with Illusions Beauty that women of color should embrace color sometimes and not always go with what is safe. Makeup is about having fun and enhancing your beauty. There are no rules to makeup so enjoy and have fun.
I wanted to make a separation for Alicia Keys the 12 time award winning grammy artist and Alicia Keys the emerging actress. The dress was a gorgeous Magenta Armani Prive' gown with a sultry front split. I was inspired by Veronica Lake, Lena Horne and the women in Hollywood in the 40's and early 50's so bold lips, luminous skin, strong brows and sultry eyes are all a MUST!!!
My key products for glowing radiant skin are Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Gold Capsules, and Mary Kay tinted moisturizer. Smashbox bronzer was used to sculpt her face and lightly contour. Elizabeth Ardens Smokey black pencil with Tigi Bedhead big fat fun eye pencil in purple. Cheeks were popped with Mary Kay Shy blush and I made sure her eye brows were well manicured by applying Dior Blonde Shimmer. I used Jane Iredale 24 Karat Pink Gold as a highlighter for cheek bones, the bridge of the nose and corner of her eyes. Shu Uemura Lashes were added for drama and 2 coats of Cover Girl Lash Luxe in Black Emerald were added for intensity. The final touch was a raspberry lip which I mixed several colors but used Mary Kay Raspberry pencil as a base filling in the lip so lips are sealed for the night."

Thanks Ashunta!

Beauty Tip Of The Week

"Choosing Makeup For Your Skin Tone"


Asian Skin Tones (India & Pakistan sub-continent)

This skin tone is the last in our series for 'Choosing Makeup for Your Skin Tone'. Next week starts our new series on 'Choosing Makeup for Your Skin Type'. This ties in nicely with our next Blog Talk Radio show which airs March 5, 2009 at 9pm. The show features Dr. Angelo Thrower. Tune in to www.blogtalkradio.com/illusions-cosmetics (More on this later).

Indian and Pakistanian asian skin tones are characterized by their yellow skin tones. There is no guessing game as to what foundation color to use (for some anyway). When you see Indian women, they are wearing beautiful burgundies, greens and other rich jewel tones. Other colors such as browns can appear a little more natural on this Asian skin tone. Oranges and reds (on the eyes) should be avoided. Smokey eyeliner is stunning. Lips look great with reds of course as well as deep browns.

Some suggestions of Illusion Cosmetics (http://www.illusionsbeauty.com)products/:

Eyes:
Radiant Bronze Eye dust
Rapture, Clydesdale, and Spanish Moss eyeshadows

Lips:
Matador Red and Bronze Shimmer Lipsticks
Brownie Lipstix

Foundation:
IC3, IC4, IC6

This was a fun series. I look forward to next week. If you have any skin care questions, please comment on this blog or email me at info@illusionsbeauty.com. Thanks!

Be Beautiful & Blessed!!

Denise

Oscar & Red Carpet Looks Recap

Last nights Academy Awards were interesting, to say the least. I was happy about some wins and disappointed about others. But, the highlight of my night was when I saw Taraji P. Henson on the red carpet. She was Beautiful, Fabulous, and Glamorous all wrapped in one. Everything about her look was perfect. She didn't over do it with the makeup (she never does) and the bold jewelry made the right statement - 'Look at me, I'm here.' But, she wasn't alone. Standing with Taraji and nominated in the same category was the beautiful Viola Davis. Viola used as much color as she could get away with on her face and it WORKED!!! If you listened to the 'Beauty Talk With Illusions' Blog Talk Radio Show last Thursday, you would know why I am so happy about these ladies' look last night. They, along with Alicia Keys (Alicia's makeup artist was on my show) used color as most Women of Color should.

Be Beautiful & Blessed!!

Denise

Beauty Tip Of The Week

" Choosing Makeup for Your Skin Tone"

" Asian Skin" (Far East - Korean, Chinese, Japanese, etc.)

There is no mystery as to the understones to Asian women. Asian skin is characterized by it's yellow undertones. When choosing a foundation, make sure it's 'yellow'. Because of the very specific yellow tones to Asian skin, certain colors prove to give the skin its best natural appearance. Overall, browns and other warm colors are best for the yellow based skin tones. For the eyes, Asian women can't go wrong with browns, corals, coppers, and plums with a little dark brown liner. For lips, browns and reds are always safe. If you have light Asian skin, pinks and tawny lipsticks may be more appropriate. For fun, try bright colors like, yellow, greens, turquoise, and pinks. Take a look at some suggestions of Illusions colors for Asian skin.

Face - foundation sticks in IC03 (for light Asian skin), IC04, IC06, IC07

Blush - Safari, Ginger

Eyes - Celebrity, Coconut, Rapture

Lips - Champayne Rose Lipstick, Matador Red Lipstick

I hope these tips helped! Let me know what you think. Add your comments here or reach out to me at info@illusionsbeauty.com.

Be Beautiful & Blessed!

Denise

'Young Hollywood' Collection

pinkLuxe is having their contest and we want you to win! Illusions Cosmetics is giving our entire Young Hollywood lustre lipgloss collection away before its official launch in late February. Just take the quiz at www.pinkluxelife.com, email us your answers and the winner will be announced this Friday. Good Luck!

Beauty Tip Of The Week

"Choosing Makeup For Your Skin Tone"

White Skin Tones

White skin tones are those Caucasion women in the US, Europe, and other areas of the world, especially the colder climates. Bright makeup colors a very obvious on paler skin tones. When applying those bright colors, 'less is more'. Apply a little at a time and then build to your 'color comfort level'.

Eyes: Pink eyeshadows work well on white skin tones. Be careful of the orange and coral shadows. They may tend to appear a little red depending on pink/red undertones in your skin. Eyes on white skin are often enhanced by using eyeliners. Some great colors are black, greens, grays, navy, and violet depending on your eye color.

Lips: Most colors work well, just make sure that you are not using too much. Apply your color and blot your lips at least once before completing your makeup.

Blush: Pink and tawny blushes are the best for this skin tone. They give a more natural look.

These are all suggestions. Feel free to use what you think looks best on you. Listed below are some suggestions of Illusions products for White skin tones:

Eyes:Sunshine eyeshadow, soft rose eyedust
Lips: Carmen, Honey (from Cinematic Faves Lustre Lipgloss) and Drew from the new 'Young Hollywood Lustre lipgloss collection.

Blush: Natural and Pink ice

If you like the tips and need help in choosing makeup colors, comment on this blog , email us at info@illusionsbeauty.com or call us at 310-748-3489.

Be Beautiful & Blessed!!

Denise & Janice

Beauty Talk on Blog Talk Radio

Hey Everyone,

We have taken Beauty Talk to Blog Talk Radio! Check us out every other Thursday at 9pm EST/6pm PST. We still share tips, and loads of resourceful information for All women of color, but we do it with 'Special Guests'. We've shared our best and worst foundation experiences with actress Jazsmin Lewis, known for her roles on the films, 'Barber Shop' and 'Three Can Play That Game', and loads of television shows. We've celebrated Beauty Bloggers and dicussed how they have changed the face of beauty, and we found out some serious issues that Afro-Latina women face when it comes to beauty. Go back and check those shows out at www.Blogtalkradio.com/illusions-cosmetics. And after checking those shows out, join us on Feb.19th at 9pm when we will be discussing 'Red Carpet Looks' with celebrity makeup artist, Ashunta Sheriff, Alicia Keys' personal artist. And then on march 5th at 9pm, we will be joined by none other that Dr. Angelo P. Thrower, who will discuss 'Skin Care for Women of Color'. Please help us make these two shows our biggest shows and most listened to shows to date. Check us out and then leave us your comments,and suggestions at info@illusionsbeauty.com. Also, you can call in during the show, because the show will be streaming live, to leave comments and ask questions. The call in number is at 914.803.4399. Please join us....And as always, continue to be 'Beautiful & Blessed'.

Janice

Revista Caoba on Beauty

Mahogany Kinnell of Revista Caoba (www.es.caoba.org) was asked, "What is beauty to you?"

"Beauty is reflected in the way you feel about yourself. You have to believe it in order to be it."

Beauty Tip Of The Week

Now that you know how to 'Apply your makeup for your Face shape', now its time to learn how to 'choose makeup for your skin tone'. This begins our four week series called, "Choosing Makeup for Your Skin Tone". The skin tone that concerns alot of women......Dark Skin Tones.

Dark Skin Tones

The skin tones of some Africans, African Americans, Brazilians, Carribeans/West Indians, Latinos, Afro Latinos are characterized as 'Black skin' or 'Dark skin'. Dark skin varies in tone from light to dark. The natural tone of the skin calls for colors that are deep in pigment and are not ashy and pale in color. For example, darker skins should stay away from taupes, light pinks, and peaches on the eyes. Better choices of colors will be golds, soft browns, chocalates, darker pinks and greens. For lips, darker skins usually have dark lips, so lips look great in burgundies, wines, deep reds, dark browns, etc. For blush, some dark skinned women love to wear brown, bronzey, and very dark burgundy blush colors. They should stay away from those colors on the cheeks. Those colors can tend to look a little 'muddy' or dirty on the skin. I would suggest using dark pink and plum colored blush. These are all suggestions. Feel free to use what you think looks best on you. Listed below are some suggestions of Illusions products for Dark skin tones:

Eyes:

Brass & Radiant Bronze Eye Dust

Coconut, Carnival, Rapture, & Spanish Moss Eyeshadow

Lips:

Berry Sexy & Matador lipsticks

Mahogany(Cinematic Faves collection) & Khadijah (Young Hollywood collection) Lustre Lipglosses

Blush:

Hibiscus, Rosette

Ask Illusions

Q. I'm having a problem finding a foundation that is an exact match. The foundation that I have is dark enough, but it looks a little dull. I have alot of red in my skin. Do you have any advice on what I can do? - Charmayne, Pensacola, FL

A. Hi Charmayne! First, let's deal with the 'exact match' of foundation. Most women will not be able to find a foundation that is an exact match. You can achieve an exact match (or close to it) by mixing foundations. The foundation that you are using is yellow based. In order to make it work for you, you can use a red based foundation to warm up your skin. Also, you may set your foundation with a red based pressed powder. Try it and email us with your questions at info@illusionsbeauty.com.

Be Beautiful & Blessed!!

My Top 10 Favorite Illusions Cosmetics Products

1. Brass Eye Dust - $12
2. Sublime Eyeshadow - $9
3. Eyeshadow Base in light, medium, dark - $10
4. Gel eyeliner in black, moss - $12
5. Blue Roses lipstick - $10
6. Dreamgirls Lustre Lip gloss - $10
7. Honey Pressed Powder - $18
8. Hibiscus Blush - $12
9. Setting Spray - $12
10. Revitalizing Eye Gel - $20

For more information, go to www.illusionsbeauty.com

Skin Care Questions Needed

Hello Everyone!

We are in need of your skin care questions. We are planning a future blog interview and would love to hear from you. We need your questions and/or your concerns to present to our guest dermatologist. Any questions or concerns may be emailed to info@illusionsbeauty.com. Thank You!

Be Beautiful & Blessed!

Denise & Janice

Barack Obama's Inauguration

Congratulations to President Barack Hussein Obama!!


"People will judge you on what you build not what you destroy". - President Barack Obama

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

"An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity". - Martin Luther King, Jr.

Happy Birthday Dr. King!!!

Beauty Tip Of The Week

"Applying Makeup For Your Face Shape"

Close Set Eyes

This concludes the series on 'Applying makeup for Your Face Shape'. Any suggestions for any new series of topics, please let us know your thoughts by emailing us at info@illusionsbeauty.com. Now, on to the topic.

Close set eyes are exactly that, 'close set'. They are a set of eyes that are set close together on the face.

TIP: To give eyes the appearance of being further apart, keep the eyeshadow on the inner corners of the eyes light. Only apply darker shadow to the outer corners and middle of the eyelids. When applying mascara, focus mascara on the lashes on the outer eye. Keep darker colors away from the inner eye.

Be Beautiful & Blessed!

Denise & Janice

Beauty Tip Of The Week

"Applying Makeup For Your Face Shape"



Close Set Eyes



This concludes the series on 'Applying makeup for Your Face Shape'. Any suggestions for any new series of topics, please let us know your thoughts by emailing us at info@illusionsbeauty.com. Now, on to the topic.



Close set eyes are exactly that, 'close set'. They are a set of eyes that are set close together on the face.



TIP: To give eyes the appearance of being further apart, keep the eyeshadow on the inner corners of the eyes light. Only apply darker shadow to the outer corners and middle of the eyelids. When applying mascara, focus mascara on the lashes on the outer eye. Keep darker colors away from the inner eye.



Be Beautiful & Blessed!



Denise & Janice

Beauty Tip Of The Week

"Applying Makeup for Your Face Shape"

Long Face

A long face is characterized by long and angular features between the eye and cheek areas.

TIP: Apply highlighter to your chin. This will give the face a shortening effect. Also, applying blush to the cheekbones and blending toward the apples will shorten the face as well.

If this face shape describes you, please send us your photos so that we can post them to the blog. Email: info@illusionsbeauty.com.

Be Beautiful & Blessed!!

Hot New Beauty Trends

The New Year is here and every beauty guru and fashionista has eagerly revealed their hot new trends. Well, add us to your list…and think RED. RED. RED. Everywhere you turn, there is Red lipstick – in various shades; blue-red, orange-red, brownish red, bright red, pinkish red, you name it…RED!!! Keep in mind, however, it is okay to play some looks down with neutral lips.

Our Predictions & Trends to Try in 2009:

1. Fun and bright colors – for great glam looks

2. Dewy and matte skin with a beautiful glow, giving the appearance of little to no makeup at all

3. Filled in and very defined, soft eyebrows to create a natural look.

4. Very dramatic lashes, with extended eyeliner for some looks

5. Lipstick is back in a big way…& RED (a brown red is our suggested color)

6. Color your cheeks – subtle for those new to blush, but pop with bright colors if blush has always been “a must”

7. Try violet, green or shades of blue eyeliner to add a pop of color to a look, or to compliment a smokey eye

8. Lastly, there’s a resurgence of the classic, timeless looks of the 1940's, 50's, & 60's – Definitely work on creating a new you this New Year with the classics.

Looking Ahead:

Here are a couple of combined trends that will work well together as a look for Spring 2009:

Smokey eyes w/red lips

Red lips and thick, full brows

Lip gloss or balm added to the center of red lipstick

Products to Try for the Spring by Illusions Cosmetics:

“Torch” and True Rouge” Lustre Lipstix

“Matador Red” Lipstick (shown)

“Moss” Gel Eyeliner

Beauty Tip Of The Week

"Applying Makeup For Your Face Shape"

Wide-Set Eyes

Wide-set eyes are characterized by the space between your eyes being more than an eye width apart.

TIP: Apply a medium to darker color on the eyelid up to just before the crease. Fade the color out into the inner corner of the eye with a lighter color. Make sure that the lashes in the inner corner of the lashes get full coverage of mascara.

Be Beautiful & Blessed

Beauty Tip Of The Week

"Applying Makeup For Your Face Shape"

Round Face

A round face shape definately describes my face shape. At least, that's what I think. Round faces are uniform in size. They have no angular features. Full cheeks also characterizes 'round' faces.

TIP: To make a round face narrower, apply contour/shading under the cheekbone, on the jawline, and above the brow bone. Also, applying highlight on the sides and tip of the nose will make the face narrower as well.

Beauty Tip Of The week

"Applying Makeup For Your Face Shape"

Eyebrows

Your eyebrow shape is closely related to your face shape. You should keep your brows well groomed in order to keep their shape.

TIP: Brush brow hairs upward with a brow brush or mascara spooly. Tweeze any unwanted hairs from underneath and fill in the shape with your favorite brow color product with light strokes. Brush color through evenly. Check out www.illusionsbeauty.com for the brow tints.

Beauty Tip Of The Week

"Applying Makeup For Your Face Shape"

Heart-shaped Face
Your face is heart-shaped when it is wider at the top (forehead) and gets narrower as it goes down to the chin.

TIP: Apply blush directly to the cheek bones while avoiding the apples. If applied to the apples, it will widen the center of the face causing even more of a heart-shape. Applying to the cheek bones only gives the face more balance.

For more tips or to have your questions answered on the blog, send emails to: info@illusionsbeauty.com.

Be Beautiful & Blessed!!!

"Look Who's Wearing Illusions Cosmetics"

"Tammy Townsend", actress and singer from Los Angeles, CA. Tammy can be seen in next years Warner Brothers release, "The Preacher's Kid" where she plays the character Desiree. This television actress can be seen in loads of television shows to include "Lincoln Heights", "Just Jordan", "According To Jim", and many, many more. I had the pleasure of being Tammy's makeup artist for the film "Preacher's Kid". Tammy loves light, natural , and shimmery makeup looks. This was a little different than how her character Desiree wore her makeup. Desiree was made up at all times, even when she was not performing (I can't tell the story, please go see it next August in theatres everwhere). Her makeup was a lot heavier and applied for the stage. Tammy was an absolute pleasure to work with and is now my new bff for life. Stay tuned for more characters from the movie.

Illusions Cosmetics has teamed up with Anjela Dandridge and Blaq Vixen Beauty for a Holiday Give-A-Way!! One lucky winner will recieve a full set of the "Cinematic Favorites" Collection of our Lustre Lip Gloss.Please visit http://www.blaqvixenbeauty.net/ for addt'l info

Beauty Tip Of The Week

"Applying Makeup for Your Face Shape"

Deep Set Eyes

I recently made up the CEO of the Georgia Lottery Corporation. She was mid-fifties with short blonde hair and blue eyes. She's a very attractive woman who wears very natural and close to no makeup at all. We were working on a commercial for the Georgia lottery so of course she needed to wear a little more makeup than she was used to. When I noticed her eyes, I knew what my next beauty tip would be. She had 'deep-set' eyes. I used a white eyeshadow allover her entire eye. On her lid and slightly into her crease, I applied a medium toned purple eyeshadow. I applied a dark brown gel eyeliner (Illusions Cosmetics gel liner in Chocalate) very close to her lashline and then I applied two coats of black mascara. Underneath her eye, I applied a medium brown colored pencil. It worked out perfectly without making her eyes appear too deep-set.

TIP: Avoid dark colors and apply a highlighter color to the brow bone to bring the eyes "forward". Steer clear of lining the 'inner' rim of the eyes as this will make them seem more recessed.

Where Are They Now? A Makeup Blast From The Past

Back in 2002 (not that far in the past) I searched every department store in the mall in Columbus, GA. I was working on the movie The Fighting Temptations at the time and I was looking for this product from a new cosmetics line called MIKSU. I found it at Rich's (those in Georgia and Alabama know what I'm talking about). I was happy to purchase the eyeshadow palette that consisted of four different shades of brown eyeshadows (Multiplicity Eyewear CD).

Miksu's motto was: Representing FASHION,BEAUTY, and MUSIC; three things that make us different yet make us one.

Google MIKSU for more information.

Beauty Tip Of The Week

"Applying Makeup for Your Face Shape"

Full Lips

TIP: For full lips, outline your lips with a lip pencil that is close to your own lip color or close to the color of your lipstick/gloss, etc. Draw your line slightly on the inside of your lip/natural lip line. Fill your lip in with your lip stick/gloss. Try it and let us know what you think at info@illusionsbeauty.com.

Be Beautiful & Blessed!!

Ask Illusions

Q. How long should I keep my makeup? - J. Turner , Mobile, AL

A. Many have asked this question. Makeup does deteriorate. Look for changes in color, consistency, and odor. Also, if there is an increased amount of oil on any product, it is time to get rid of it. As a general rule, get rid of lipsticks after 1 year, mascaras and eyeliners after 3 months to avoid infections, and any powder product (eyeshadow, blush, pressed powder) after 18 months. Foundations and moisturizers can be kept for 12 to 18 months. Theses are just suggestions. Use your products at your own risk. If you have any more questions, please feel free to email them to info@illusionsbeauty.com.

Be Beautiful & Blessed!!

Beauty Tip Of The Week

"Applying Makeup For Your Face Shape"

Oval Face
You have an oval face shape if you have a square chin with a wide, high forehead and the sides of your face are flat.

TIP:
Apply blush to the 'apples' of cheeks to give a rounder effect.

Beauty Tip Of The Week

This starts our series on 'Applying Makeup For Your Face Shape'. This weeks tip will be on applying makeup to 'Narrow/Small Eyes'.

TIP:
Your eyes will appear wider if you stick to lighter shades of eye shadows: neutrals, pinks and pearls to open up the eye. Line underneath the eye, but only in the outer corners with a soft pencil.

A few suggestions of Illusions eyeshadows are:
Baby bare, dazzle, hoax

Beauty Tip Of The Week

We all hate it when we apply our makeup and we have specks of eye shadow and shimmer underneath our eyes that we so carefully concealed. There is another way to prevent that besides putting loose powder under the eyes and sometimes causing the 'raccoon eyes' look.

TIP:
1) Apply eye makeup before applying foundation base.
2) Use shadow shields (an under eye tape shield that protects under eye from makeup residue). They are easy and disposable. Check out their website at www.shadowshields.com.

Be Blessed!
-Denise

Beauty Tip Of The Week

How to properly conceal under the eye:
When looking at the bare eye, you may notice dark circles. Those 'dark circles' are sometimes an hereditary condition. Broken capilaries may cause the 'blue' under eye color that you experience with dark cicles.
Typically on the color wheel, orange cancels out blue.
Tip:
Use a peachy/orange colored concealor to conceal the blue under eye circles. Then, cover the peachy-orange with a concealor that is a shade lighter than your foundation. This will not only cover the undereye darkness, but brighten your eyes as well.

Be Beautiful and Blessed!!

Denise & Janice

Beauty Tip Of The Week

TIP: Take care of your hands.
In order to keep your hands looking beautiful and at their best at all times, you must take care of your hands. Listed below are some ways that you can preserve the youthfulness and natural beauty of your hands:
1) Wear gloves when doing housework or gardening
2) Always apply a moisturizer
3) Avoid harsh chemicals
4) Use sunscreen
5) Never cut your cuticles.
6) Exfoliate a couple of times a month.

Be Beautiful & Blessed! Have a great week!

Denise & Janice

Ask Illusions

Q. My lips are very dark. They look funny with lipstick on. How do I cover the darkness before applying lipstick? - T. Davis, Raleigh, NC

A. This is an issue for many women. You should start by exfoliating your lips. You can use an actual lip scrub product, or exfoliate with a dry toothbrush (this should be done once to twice a week). After exfoliating, apply a concealor or foundation lighter than your actual shade on your lips. Once covered, apply a light application of powder and then blot with tissue. Then, apply your lip color. Try this and let us know how it works for you. If you have any questions, please let us know. (info@illusionsbeauty.com).

Be Beautiful & Blessed!!

Denise & Janice

Beauty Tip Of The Week

For those seeking that 'glow' that is always seen on Hollywood's favorite actresses......

TIP:
Try using a shimmer blush on the apples of your cheeks to give yourself that dewy look that we all desire. :-).

Be Beautiful & Blessed!!

Denise & Janice

Help Illusions Raise Money For Breast Cancer Research

Help Illusions Cosmetics raise $200 for Breast Cancer Research on our "Beauty With A Cause" blog at http://www.illusionscosmetics.blogspot.com/. Those making donations of $30 or more will recieve a pink handle makeup brush collection exclusively from Illusions Cosmetics.

Beauty Tip Of The Week

Many people ask what the makeup trends are for the new season, whether its Fall or Spring. They are trying to figure out what colors they are supposed to wear based on the trends. We are always encouraging women to do what makes them confortable. So, for this week's beauty tip, we will continue to do the same.
TIP:
DO YOU!! Although we follow trends and different instructions on how to apply makeup, there are truely no rules in makeup. We encourage you all to break from your makeup routines and try something new. For the first 5 readers to respond with photos of their favorite fall makeover, they will receive their choice of an eyedust or a lustre lipgloss from our new "Young Hollywood" collection. With your permission, your photos will appear in a future blog. All photos can be emailed to info@illusionsbeauty.com
Be Beautiful and Blessed!!!
Denise & Janice

Beauty Tip Of The Week

Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin is characterized by skin irritation and a low tolerance for certain product ingredients. This condition is year round and not seasonal. Listed below are some tips in treating sensitive skin.
TIPS:
1) Read product labels - search for fragrance free products
2) Use sunscreens with zinc oxide
3) Use creamy cleansers and moisturizers
4) Cleanse morning and night with lukewarm water
5) Moisturize while skin is damp
6) Use acne medications and/or anti-aging products no more than once per week
7) Get facials occassionally (inform Esthetician of sensitive skin)
8) Avoid areas where the air is dry (use humidifiers in your home if necessary)

Beauty Tip Of The Week

TIP: If engaged in outdoor activities in the Winter, use an oil based product to keep skin hydrated. Water based products can cause the skin to feel a tingling/burning sensation which may be a result of the water-based products freezing on the skin. Using a heavier moisturizer creates a barrier between your skin and the elements (cold weather). Always use a lip balm and drink plenty of water. The skin is hydrated when the body is hydrated.