Products from the Makeup Show L.A.
Vitamin-fortified eyeliner, air-brush blush and the latest makeup to soften the harsh reality of a high-definition lens. The Makeup Show L.A. in downtown Los Angeles last week offered every product that professionals and plain old beauty junkies could possibly need. Most products at the show catered to makeup artists for film and television, and the dense foundations and high-pigment lip glosses may be too much for the everyday consumer. But we managed to spot several items that would make a useful addition to any cosmetic case. Melissa Magsaysay
What it is: Armour Beauty Femme Fatale lip gloss, $19, www.armourbeauty.com.
Why youll care: Femme Fatale hits the runways black lip color trend right on the head, with a high-shine black gloss that makes lips look like vinyl. Shea butter, vitamin E, grapeseed oil and avocado act as the base, which means extra moisture and no stickiness. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)
What it is: Kissable Coutures First Lady lip gloss, $22 at Fred Segal Apothia
Why youll care: Kissable Couture creator Keisha Whitaker (wife of actor Forest) developed a gloss she thought would look good on First Lady Michelle Obama. This shimmery pinkish-brown is high-shine and not sticky. No word yet on whether Obama has worn the lip color, but Whitaker did hand her a tube at an inauguration party in January. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)
What they are: Shadow Shields, $16.95 for a pack of 50, www.shadowshields.com
Why youll care: These crescent-shaped pads stick lightly beneath the eye and catch any falling powders being put on the eyelid. Theyre most useful when doing a smoky look dark shadows stay off cheeks and dont leave raccoon smudges under the eye. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)
What it is: Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre, $25 for a 75-ml. tube, www.beautyhabit.com
Why youll care: This cream is a staple in most makeup artists kits because it does triple duty as a moisturizer, makeup primer and wrinkle filler. A thin layer on the skin before applying foundation makes the skin smooth, hydrated and ready for shellacking. Fans of this product also use it as a skin cleanser and shaving balm. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)
What they are: Pencil Me In eyeliner pencils, $6.99, www.pencilmeincosmetics.com
Why youll care: Free of parabens and petroleum, these healthy eyeliners are heavily pigmented and infused with vitamins and antioxidants. Colors range from a bright green mint to a deep purple boysenberry, and every liner comes with a built-in sharpener inside the cap. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)
What it is: LashControl Mascara, $20, www.lashcontrol.com
Why youll care: The middle of the tube is a supple rubber that, when squeezed, removes excess goo from the mascara wand as it is being pulled out. Instead of wiping off excess mascara on the edge of the tube and accumulating all that build-up, LashControl keeps the product off the rim, brush and most importantly out of your eye. And a cleaner brush means that fewer bacteria and irritants enter the tube. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)