Yes folks, it’s time for another In My Zuca post!  This is where I bring you the 411 on what I carry in my Zuca rolling case!

There’s no denying my love for Yaby Cosmetics.  I was first introduced to this brand a few years ago on a makeup forum.  I’ve been hooked ever since.  I lean on their color products to give me the extra boost needed for print projects.

In the Democracy Issue of Twill Magazine, based in Italy, I used Yaby’s World of Paint Palette to complete the eyeshadow look for our fashion editorial, Puppet Theatre, photographed by Ella Manor.

Pearl Paint Shades Used:

PP048: A shimmery muted plum color on the lid
PP062: Bronze shimmery shade blended in the crease
PP066: A punch of blue shaded under bottom lashes

(The deep purple/plum lips are Nightmoth Lip Pencil from M.A.C. Cosmetics!)

Check out the other shots from this series here.

In my line of work, it’s important to have budge-proof makeup.  Check out my must-haves for smudge-proof black eye liner that I would never leave out of my Zuca.

M.A.C. Liquidlast Liner in Point Blank from M.A.C. Cosmetics: A rich colour liquid eye liner that combines long-lasting wear with a non-smudge, non-flake precision line. Applies with its own brush to draw a perfectly defined line.

MAKE UP FOR EVER’s Aqua Eyes in Mat Black: A two-in-one eyeshadow and liner pencil. This waterproof eyeshadow and eye liner pencil contain a unique formula that adheres to the eyelids and resists water even under the most extreme conditions, without running or fading.

Bobbi Brown Cosmetics Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in Black Ink: This award-winning liner offers the precision of a liquid liner and the ease of a gel-based formula. Sets almost immediately and is smudge-proof.

Brushes are key to creating any makeup look.  As a professional, I gravitate toward brushes that are of high quality and do not fall apart easily. I absolutely dislike brushes where the handle comes off after one cleaning or the brush completely falls apart after a month. Brushes I typically use come from adesign, Billy b Beauty, or M.A.C Cosmetics

I was recently introduced to Sigma Makeup brushes. The company graciously sent me, for review, the Sigma Makeup Professional Brushes Complete Kit with Brush Roll and the Hollywood Glamour Kabuki Something About Marylin.

First impressions are lasting ones and Sigma made a great first impression! The brush set, neatly packed in the brush roll, looked inviting. The shapes of the face and eye brushes were those I am accustomed to using on a daily basis for clients. Upon testing, approximately one month, I experienced and continue to experience no problems with the durability of the brushes.  These brushes earned a place In My Zuca!

Although I thoroughly enjoy all of the Sigma Makeup brushes, my favorites are:

• SS190 Foundation Brush – Applies and blends liquid or cream foundation seamlessly.

• SS187 Duo Fibre Brush- Perfect for setting your look as it does not disturb foundation as you apply powder.

• SS194 Concealer Brush – Great shape to get into the inner corner of eyes or dab concealer on a blemish.

• SS129 Pencil Brush – A necessity for blending a smokey eye line or defining a crease.

• SS209 Eyeliner Brush – Apply gel or liquid liner in a snap with this brush.  I use it for the perfect dramatic winged eyeliner look.

Added bonus with Sigma Makeup brushes is the training video on how to clean and care for your brushes in addition to a host of videos on using their products to achieve a variety of looks. This is an added perk for the makeup novice!

Whether you are a beginner or a pro, I would recommend checking out Sigma Makeup brushes as they are durable, fantastic to use, and, best of all, THE PRICE IS RIGHT!

I wanted to take a moment and share yet another can’t live without item in my Zuca. Introducing Smashbox Artificial Light Luminizing Lotion in Glow. This soft, iridescent lotion can be mixed with foundation or gently pressed along the cheekbone for added dimension or to diffuse the appearance of fine lines or wrinkles.  This is my “secret” weapon on shoots to create a youthful appearance.  Contains Ginkgo Biloba and Japanese Green Tea for added healthy-skin benefits.

Skin care is the basis for every makeup application.  It is important to properly prep skin before applying any sort of cosmetics, particularly foundation.  If the skin is not hydrated prior to blending foundation throughout your face, the makeup can grab on to dry patches and loose skin resulting in a not-so-flawless finish.

Embryolisse 24 Hour Miracle Cream and Embryolisse Eye Contour Treatment are both staples in my Zuca.

The Embryolisse 24 Hour Miracle Cream can act as a foundation primer or even a makeup remover. The 24 Hour Miracle Cream is a rich moisturizer that is not greasy, leaving skin soft and hydrated.

Embryolisse Eye Contour Treatment is a non-greasy eye treatment that has been specially formulated for the fragile area around the eyes. This multi-purpose product acts to improve skin tone, firm skin, and reduce the appearance of small wrinkles and crow’s feet.

These products can be purchased from www.PaintandPowderStore.com