10. NARS Pure Matte Lipstick: Who says matte lipsticks have to feel dry? This intense matte formula from NARS moisturizes while providing jaw-dropping dramatic color to the lips. “Bangkok” is a stunning soft rose that deserves a second look. Right now there are a meager seven shades to choose from, but the formula is undeniably noteworthy.

9. Illamasqua Powder Blusher: Without a doubt, the most extraordinary surge of pigment you’ll ever find in a powder blush. Seventeen complexion-charging colors beg to be worn and adorned by only the most outrageous makeup savvy wearer. Every shade is exceptional, but the more intense tones earn them true street cred with the pros. Check out “Panic” and “Thrust,” my two favorite shades! This may not be a new product, but it earned a secure place in my top 10.

8. Yaby Liquid Foundation: I reviewed this product on givegoodface.com once before, and I must say it has become a staple in my kit. Yaby’s liquid foundations are unbelievably inexpensive, easy to customize, and look incredible! The 8ml tubes have removable tips, so you can mix your own shades or neutralize using one of Yaby’s correcting colors. The finish is beyond smooth and the wear is commendable. I can’t live without the “Daisy” corrector (solid white), “Buff” (a very neutral light beige tone), and “Hot Fudge” (a neutral deep tone, great for mixing).

7. Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Excess Mascara: The face of the Mascara is Megan Fox, let’s start there. Every facet of this mascara is gorgeous – the wand is pure seduction and the packaging is as sleek and black as your perfect party dress. If you’re looking to spend on a mascara that gives your lashes sky-scraping height, Armani is your new best friend.

6. Smashbox Limitless Liquid Liner Pen: This liquid liner pen has a precise felt tip, a waterproof hold, and a smoldering jet black finish that rivals pure carbon pigment. From thick to thin and subtle to dramatic, this pen is a makeup artist’s dream. I have literally drawn detailed tattoos with it. Lobby with me for more colors!

5. MakeUpForEver HD Microfinish Blush: MUFE can do no wrong! If you’re looking for intensely pigmented, velvety smooth, radiant blooms of color – this is the product for you. Fourteen naughty flavors entice with names like “Nip Slip, Walk of Shame,” and “Caught in the Act,” and deliver an equally enticing seamless finish. Check out my favorite shades #3 “Truth or Dare” (hot pink) and #6 “Quickie” (rich salmon pink) for a rush of color you won’t soon forget!

4. Urban Decay Naked Palette: It was this holiday’s “Tickle Me Elmo.” As soon as it hit the shelves, UD’s “Naked Palette” was sold out and wait-listed for months, proving that no one makes a palette quite like Urban Decay. Given, the colors are nothing new. But somehow a combination of brilliant packaging (brown velvet and slick gold), an assortment of twelve stunning “naked” shades (from sheer nude to flat black), and a bonus double-ended liner make this palette irresistible. I don’t even like pre-made palettes, and I love this thing.

3. Smashbox Pro Second Skin Concealer: Second Skin is an incredibly smooth full-coverage concealer that can also be worn as foundation. Exclusive to QVC, this concealer quickly became a top Smashbox must-have (which leads me to think that we’ll be seeing a version of this formula in stores next year under a different name). The wear is indelible, the finish is divine, and the price is a steal. All four mixable shades should be in your wish list for 2011.

2. MakeUpForEver Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick: Fifty brand spankin’ new, super-pigmented, sinfully delicious shades prove that MUFE doesn’t mess around when it comes to delivering awe-inspiring ranges of color. Creamy in texture, these lipsticks glide on for a long-wearing hold in three decadent finishes (satin, matte, and pearl). My faves? The perfectly pale #22 and #23, the vivaciously vermillion #43 “Moulin Rouge,” and the twinkling 24-karat #17.

1. Smashbox PhotoFinish Luminizing Primer: If you’ve never used a Smashbox primer – today is the day. This luminous gold primer has become my latest and greatest beauty secret, probably because it’s perfect radiant skin in an airless pump. Aside from it’s ethereal finish, it carries the same good-for-you skin benefits as Smashbox’s other primers. In this case, an oil-free blend of antioxidants like grape seed extract and green tea, and vitamins A, C, and E. It’s universally gorgeous and also my favorite new product of the year!

Feel free to add your favorite products to the list by commenting below or sharing on the official GGF Facebook page!

The new line of liquid foundation consists of eighteen oil-free shades, six of which are corrective tones that help you to create an unlimited range of customized colors. They are housed in squeeze tubes for convenience, but the removable tips allow for faster mixing. At just $12.50 CAN (About $12.00 USD), the 8.5 ml (1/4oz) tubes really are the perfect size and price for makeup artists.

At first glance, the colors were a little jarring (separated into pink, neutral, and golden tones), which further proved that this is a line that really relies on artistry – meaning your foundations need to be mixed to maximize results. ‘Buff’ is a gorgeous neutral that tones down other colors well (and actually looks fabulous when I wear it alone as a foundation). ‘Daisy’ is a must-have corrector. This white shade is great for lightening other colors, and has quickly become a go-to product for me on set.

Once you’ve created your unique foundation shade, application is a treat. This foundation glides effortlessly over the skin, providing full coverage without the cakey look of heavier formulas. The finish isn’t overly shiny or matte, which makes it easy to customize with a setting powder or lumizer.

Bottom line? This is a great option for liquid lovers. And while I’m not a huge fan of mixing (I think the line needs just a few more shades), the results speak for themselves. At $12.00 this foundation packs a mighty punch, rivaling its competitors bearing price tags in the high $30’s. Another big win for this small Canadian line!

You can find this fabulous foundation along with many other great products on the Yaby website.

MAC Dazzleglass: This is my favorite MAC product by a long shot. These fashion-forward colors light up your lips with the most intense crystal-like sheen I’ve ever seen!

Essence Cosmetics ‘Moonlight’ Collection Glitter Set: Essence makes some of the best drugstore makeup I’ve ever seen – and their set of three loose glitters (black, pink, and silver) is no exception. For $3 USD a set, it’s the most economic way to glitz and glam your look! Mix with other products or use alone over eye primer or sprinkled in hair. In the USA, Essence can now be found at select ULTA stores.

NARS ‘Taiga’ Shadow Duo and ‘Orgasm’ Blush: NARS never ceases to amaze me, and their new ‘Taiga’ Shadow Duo is rich with golden shimmer. And who could forget ‘Orgasm’ blush? Not the best pick for photography on its own, but ‘Orgasm’ looks fantastic over top of a bronzer or lightly swept over the upper cheekbones.

Make Up For Ever Diamond Powder: Make Up For Ever has an enormous range of shimmers that can be used for almost anything! Their Diamond Powders offer fantastic payoff with intense shine, worn alone or layered. ‘White Gold 2’ is a gorgeous golden glitter that looks fantastic on the cheeks!

Urban Decay Heavy Glitter Eyeliner: A cult classic, Urban Decay makes glitter a cinch with 12 shades that light up your look! Use over your liner for more punch, or paint over shadow or lashes for super-shimmery drama.

Bourjois Effet 3D Cosmic Lipgloss: This gloss packs punch! An In-Style “Best Beauty Buy,” the Bourjois Effet 3D glosses deliver superior shimmer in an ultra-smooth formula.

At first glance, the shadows are small and unimpressive in size, but the vast range of colors in the ‘Best of Both Worlds’ palette is noteworthy. The pre-set palette contains several formulas of eyeshadow, including her highly reviewed ‘pearl paints,’ a creamy pearl shadow that boasts waterproof staying power and pigment that remains true on camera and video.

When applied softly, the shadows cover the lid in a wash of color, and are easily built to a richer shade using a stiffer brush. The pearl paint shades offer an almost frosty texture without crumbly fallout underneath the eyes. I must say, the colors in this palette really do offer up the best of both worlds – from nude matte to bright teal. If you’re a makeup artist in need of inexpensive pro products, this is certainly a good starting point. And while I wish the shadows were a tad larger, the bang for your buck is still incredible – and well worth your investment.

Yaby Palette

Source: yabycosmetics.com
Photo of model taken by Jonathan Sorber, Makeup by Jordan Liberty
Shadows Used:
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Shu Uemura has always been one of my favorite lines, mostly due to its no-holds-barred approach to pigment and the dramatic. The line boasts a wild range of funky false lashes in their Tokyo Lash Bar, and is known for their appeal to pro makeup artists. How many lines can say they make a grass green, black, or true yellow lipstick?

This collection embodies the Shu look: audacious and whimsical with true quality and wearability. Turquoise and citrine ‘Painting Liners’ boast vividly on the advertisements and glide on smooth to the touch, while rich bronze and gold ‘Primal Color Sticks’ subtly add drama and warmth to the collection. I particularly love the mixed false lashes with hints of yellow and magenta!

With 6 all new eye colors, 3 blush duos, 2 lipstick shades and nail polishes, and a new addition to the Tokyo Lash Bar, Shu has (once again) re-established its reign as one of the most innovative and unafraid makeup lines on the market today.

Source: shuuemura-usa.com

This revolutionary brush uses sonic technology to loosen dirt, makeup, pollutants, and oil from your pores. In just 60 seconds, the Clarisonic Brush reduces pore size and the appearance of fine lines, improves skin tone and clarity, and improves the overall efficacy of your expensive creams and serums. This, of course, is the company’s official definition of the brush, but my personal observations have been much more profound.

Seven months ago I (excitedly) used my Clarisonic for the first time. The treatment was surprisingly not very rough, and my skin immediately felt clean and refreshed. After rinsing my face, I noticed that my skin felt baby-smooth to the touch – just like it does after I have a really good facial. The blackheads in my nose were completely gone (which has never happened before), and my skin was literally glowing. Since that morning I have had fewer breakouts (almost none) and have never had better skin – ever.

With so many gimmicky products out there that claim to improve my skin, it was great to find a product that actually did improve my skin.

Sources: Clarisonic.com

Aptly dubbed the ‘Extreme Lift Face,’ Kinerase boasts results that compete with injectable in-office procedures. The formula is a silky blend of essential oils and plant extracts that instantly relax and fill lines for that ‘Cinderella-lift.’ With no discomfort or nasty side effects, it would seem that Kinerase has created a miracle product.

While my personal results didn’t match the description, I still love the ‘Extreme Lift Face.’ My skin feels smooth and hydrated and looks radiant. Paired with the ‘Hydraboost’ and the ‘Extreme Lift Eye,’ I feel like I’ve hit the skincare trifecta. I didn’t look 10 years younger in 5 minutes as their ads suggested, but I definitely noticed a difference. The price point is a tad high at a buck fifty, but sure beats the scary side effects of injectables.

Bottom Line: Smooth and radiant skin is only a pump away, but the fountain of youth is yet to be discovered.

With names like ‘Apocalypse, Hotpants,’ and ‘Buzzkill,’ Urban’s new lipstick colors match their bite to their bark. Twenty-three jaw-dropping new shades leave no color unturned, and once again prove Urban Decay as an industry innovator. The luxuriously creamy texture is infused with Vitamins A, C, and E; and claims to fill lines and moisturize lips. But who cares? We love the colors and the caramel scent!

My eye was instantly drawn to the packaging. Housed in purple metal, the tubes are pierced with a dagger and look oh-so-chic in their flourished clear caps. Even the lipstick itself is imprinted with a dagger and the Urban Decay emblem.

 After the “oohs” and “aahs” subsided, I was left with a gorgeous silk sheen and rich color. The wear is decent, considering Urban is a company known for its commitment to eco and animal friendly ingredients. From shimmer to sheer, this is a winning formula for Urban Decay and a must-have if you’re looking for that perfect shade of naughty!

My Pick: For super-sheer lips, go for ‘Peroxide,’ but ‘Gash’ is definitely my favorite. A blood red with a hint of berry oozes sexy!

At first glance, the new Givenchy Phenomen’Eyes mascara looks like something out of a medieval torture chamber. The innovative design features a patented spherical brush that is designed to reach all of your lashes for simpler application. This reinvented approach to mascara wands has set Givenchy apart from its competitors, boasting a ‘daring new design’ that makes ‘all existing mascaras a thing of the past.’

I first noticed that it really kept my lashes separate and gave incredible length. But its real pay-off is in the curl and volume. You can apply the mascara side-to-side or brush it as you normally would, and it applies the same. My lashes looked amazing and it didn’t take more than a coat or two.

My only complaint is that it doesn’t come in waterproof. It smudged a little throughout the day, but removing it was a cinch.

Bottom Line: A great mascara to try if you have brush-bewilderment.

With names like ‘X-Rated’ and ‘Trust Fund,’ it is easy for one to assume that Rock & Republic’s new line of colors are just as racy – and they are. Fiery hot blushes and electric blue shadows dazzle next to plush pink glosses and rich bronzers. Aside from their bold pigments, Rock & Republic is best recognized by its decadent packaging. Oversized gunmetal and black compacts carry their ‘R&R’ logo and are sold in miniature black hat boxes. One compact features a rhinestone encrusted logo and carries a hefty price tag of over two hundred dollars (USD).

My first experience with Rock & Republic was almost divine. The displays are edgy and ultra-modern, and even play R&R’s latest runway shows on a loop. The blushes are the size of most powders and come in twelve irresistible colors, so naturally, I left with the brightest shade available. The pigment in the ‘Contrived’ blush is well-saturated, and the effect is lavish. It certainly enticed me to purchase more.

Although their products aren’t achieving anything innovative, their overall look certainly made a lasting impression. The products are certainly well-made, but there are no must-haves….yet.

My Pick: For a deliciously innocent look, try ‘Mistress’ Luxe Lip Gloss against ‘Gossip’ Imitate Mousse Blush. For devilishly smoldering eyes, try ‘Asphalt’ Pressed Shadow and ‘Smut’ Bound Gel Liner.