Texans, it might surprise you to find out, are not what one might call an understated people.
We don’t really do subtlety or nuance or cynicism, all things necessary for good fashion. Austin, for all its coolness, is not a fashion city. And you know? That’s okay by me.
However, during South by Southwest, the music and film festival that brings a bazillion people streaming into my town this week from all over the world, a sort of Underground railroad of fashion springs up.
Last night I went to an event at one of the stops and it necessitated Serious Fashion Makeup.
Now, I don’t get to do a full on editorial makeup often, so I decided to do a look inspired by the MAC Style Warrior visuals from S/S of last year:
I was particularly inspired by Sam Chapman’s tutorial on her version of the look which had a little bit more of a 1920’s feel that suits me better than the 80’s redux of the MAC visuals.
Since it was a bit misty last night and I knew I had a few stops to make before returning to Château Gâteau for the evening, I wanted to make sure the makeup stayed in place BUT I didn’t want to use a hardcore fixative.
Enter Make Up For Ever HD Microperfecting Primer
I don’t own a full bottle of this, I just got it as a free sample of the neutral (white in the bottle, goes on clear) from Sephora. This look lasted all night through three venues and a brief episode where I got caught in a light rain. I pressed the pigment powders onto the skin while the primer hadn’t completely absorbed and let me tell you, although it blended beautifully, that makeup wasn’t going ANYWHERE.
This stuff is great and I highly, HIGHLY recommend it, especially if you have problems with make-up “traveling” or if you choose not to use oil-based products on the eye (I can’t because it’s bad for my eyelash extensions). I couldn’t feel it on my face, the look stayed flawlessly loud and it washed right off with a cleansing pad.
Verdict: Two Enthusiastic Bottoms Up
Is this similar to/a competitor of Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer?
Because I really like Photo Finish, and it’s a must for my ‘event’ make up.
Comment by jojo.k — March 17, 2010 @ 3:57 pm
I don’t know Jojo, I’ve never tried any of the smashbox products to my knowledge.
Comment by Plumcake — March 17, 2010 @ 4:27 pm
could you recommend where in Austin you get your lash extensions? I seem to remember a reference to ‘big ole trannie lashes’ a few months back and I NEED some! Thanks
Comment by Thea — March 17, 2010 @ 5:47 pm
Absolutely! I love love love and will never stray from Tabitha Lauderdale who has a room at Westlake Faces. I’d been getting my lashes done for about a year at Vanity Rocks when my regular girl was sick and I got Tabitha instead. She did the best job and her lashes stay on forever, plus she’s smart and funny, which is a nice bonus (I hate being trapped in vapid small talk). When she moved out on her own, I followed her and cannot say enough good things about her. Plus her prices are really reasonable.
That being said, it’s not a cheap thrill. Your first set will run you $225 with Tabitha and $300 at Vanity Rocks. Then it’s maintenance about every three weeks at $60-$90 a pop.
The one place I would NOT go is Betty Lash. They are ridiculously overpriced (like, what I would get for $100 with Tabitha would cost $550 there) and they do terrible work. They have “looks” you purchase instead of having something tailored to you.
Comment by Plumcake — March 17, 2010 @ 6:06 pm
I love that primer. Seriously, seriously, seriously, one of the best “free gifts” I’ve ever gotten at Sephora.
Comment by ananas — March 17, 2010 @ 6:40 pm
You ain’t lying Ananas, it’s aces.
Comment by Plumcake — March 17, 2010 @ 8:05 pm
I’d like to know where to find fashion at SXSW. Everyone I’ve seen downtown looks like they have lice or fleas.
Comment by hickchick — March 18, 2010 @ 12:50 am
It’s mostly movie people, Hickchick. Producers and buyers and agents oh my.
Comment by Plumcake — March 18, 2010 @ 10:01 am
Ya know-
My comment is completely unrelated to the topic at hand – but I ask forgiveness for that ‘minor’ indiscretion and add the caveat that I too, am a fan of the HD Primer. That said – I have to express the following:
It was by sheer happenstance that I read your blog and discovered the joy that is Mz. Plumcake….All I can think is, ‘Who is this Fabulous Baby, and how did I not know of her before???’ My goodness, I love your writing – so much so, I am putting you on my ‘Absolut Exquisiteness’ list right next to Jill Scott, Nina Simone and, well – me.
Comment by Karmyn's Trace — March 18, 2010 @ 12:49 pm
Karmyn you just warmed my frigid little cockles! Thanks and welcome! Also, are you a fellow Tri-Delt?
Comment by Plumcake — March 18, 2010 @ 2:01 pm
Please forgive what may be a stupid question, but how do you “press” eyeshadow on? Does it take a special applicator? If I use a brush, am I Doing It Wrong?
Comment by daisyj — March 18, 2010 @ 2:32 pm
nope, it’s just instead of brushing it on with the brush, you press the broad side of the brush against the eye. You get better color payoff and WAY less fallout. Watch the pixiwoo video for an example.
Comment by Plumcake — March 18, 2010 @ 2:44 pm
Thanks! Will try.
Comment by daisyj — March 19, 2010 @ 11:22 pm
I have been going to betty lash for 2 years and one of their best girls have left. I am a good client, generous, I love the owner (she is a doll), but now that an inexperienced blonde-headed pudgy former BL receptionist is suddenly doing lashes, she took me on last minute and ruined my lashes, I am not going back. When she was a receptionist, she had an attitude and she now that she is doing lashes, she certainly displayed incompetence. I adore the owner and don’t understand why the owner is not letting her go. I’m not wasting my money and limited time on incompetence. I live in Westlake, so I will explore other extension places. Tabitha sounds amazing! Maybe I can finally save money and get equal if not better service!
Comment by Blank — April 7, 2010 @ 3:09 pm
Oh man Blank, Tabitha will rock your world. You’ll be shocked by how great they look. My problem with BL other than they’re SO expensive for just a few lashes is that you can TELL when a girl is a BL girl because all their sets look the same, regardless of person. Definitely go to Tabitha and tell her I sent you, she’ll treat you right!
Comment by Plumcake — April 7, 2010 @ 3:16 pm
Plumcake,
I just got done with a full set with Tabitha and it was the best experience I have ever had. She is a class-act and a professional and spent a lot of time on my lashes. You are right, she is the best and treats you right. I feel almost scammed having gone to the other place that felt like a sorority house and was double the price. I look in the mirror and realize that I have eyelashes! She’s the best in town!
Comment by Blank — April 14, 2010 @ 2:19 pm
Blank, I’m so, so glad! I told you she was the best! If you want to see what she does to my lashes, look on today’s post!
Comment by Plumcake — April 14, 2010 @ 2:44 pm
appreciated lots, I am obliged to say your website is brilliant!
Comment by jobs — May 17, 2010 @ 2:24 pm