Tutorial: How to Slim Your Nose in a Few Minutes

One of my favorite tricks that is super easy and makes a HUGE difference is contouring my nose.  Not that everyone out there needs to create a slimmer schnoz, but if you have a nose that is on the larger and/or wider side, this is a great trick to know.  With makeup, you can slim your nose in just a couple of steps.  All you need is a matte bronzer or contouring powder (nothing shimmery or sparkly), a eyeshadow brush, and a blending brush.  Some people prefer to use a concealer or foundation (a couple shades darker than their skin color) to contour, but for day-to-day makeup, the steps below are easier.

1.  After applying your typical complexion makeup (moisturizer, concealer, foundation, etc), swirl the tip of your flat eyeshadow brush into your bronzer or contouring powder.  Starting at the upper side of the bridge of your nose (under the head of your eyebrow), lightly trace a line going all the way down to the nostril.  Repeat on the other side of your nose.

2.  After you have drawn the lines on both sides of the nose, draw a line horizontally from one nostril  through the tip of your nose, to the other nostril.

3.  Using your blending brush, blend along the bronzer/contour lines you drew to "fade" them into your skin.

And there you have it, a slimmer nose in no time!  Below you can compare the difference this makes. I am sorry that I do not have photos from the same day, but you get the point:)

No contouring

Contoured nose:)

DIY: Coconut Oil for Deep Conditioning

I know this is really supposed to be a "makeup blog", but I do have a love for all things beauty, including hair products.  Due to the dryness and bitter cold in DC throughout the winter, my hair has been extremely dry and brittle- I am a walking split end!  After reading some other blogs and pinned articles, I decided to try a natural DIY coconut oil treatment for my hair.  I have had a jar of coconut oil in my cabinet (unopened) for almost a year, so I figured this what a start to putting it to good use:) You can buy coconut oil at any grocery store for about $10.  The oil solidifies at room temperature, so it looks thick and gloppy until you either warm it between your hands ( to liquify it) or heat it up.

There are various ways to use coconut oil for your hair, based on the thickness, dryness, etc.  Some people apply it on wet hair, others on dry hair.  Some leave it on for 20 minutes, others sleep with the oil in their hair overnight and rinse it out in the morning.  Do what you feel is best for YOUR hair!  I think used properly, the coconut oil treatment would work on any hair type.  Be sure not to put it near your roots if your hair is on the oilier side.

I decided to apply it to my dry hair, left it in overnight, and washed and conditioned it in the morning.    After scooping coconut oil into my palms and running it through my hair, I put it up in a topknot to sleep.  If you leave it in overnight like I did, you probably want to sleep with either an old pillow case over your pillow or wrap a scarf or turbie towel over your head to prevent oil stains on your bed linens.  When I woke up, I just wet my hair and shampooed and conditioned as usual (I am using Pureology's purple line right now).

Let me tell you, this stuff really works!  Not only do my ends look "healed", but the rest of my hair seems smoother and shinier.  I definitely recommend giving it a whirl, if you are in need of a good deep conditioning treatment.  If you have thicker, coarser hair, you can also use a little coconut oil as a leave in conditioner.  If you decide to give it a try, please let me know what you think:)

Product Review: Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush

Highlighting products seem to be very popular right now in the beauty world.  I tend to use highlighting only for special occasions, but after finding a product that combines blush and highlighter into one product, I am likely going to change my tune.  This little makeup wonder is called Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush, which combines the brightening benefits of blush and highlighter to create a beautiful, healthy glow.   This blush comes in five shades, which should suit a multitude of skin tones.  I purchased the shade "Mood Exposure", which is a soft plum with pearly highlighter.  It is a little pricey at $35 a pop, but anytime I can cut down on the amount of products in my arsenal, I will suck it up.  I have been a loyal Nars Orgasm blush user for about 7 years now, but this Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush has been finding its way into my daily routine since I purchased it.  It is definitely worth a try, if it fits in your beauty budget.

This is "Mood Exposure" up close.

This is what it looks like on me:) Also, I have the Anastasia Dipbrow on in this photo.

Another angle, so you can really see the impact of the highlighting formula (brows not filled in this one!)

Product Review: Anastasia Beverly Hills DipBrow

If you have read my previous blog posts, you probably are aware of my eyebrow obsession.  I am constantly on the lookout for products that make my routine easier, but also produce a nice, groomed look.  If you are in the market for a new brow product (or just want to try something new!), I have a winner for you!
Anastasia Beverly Hills line specializes in brow grooming products (think brow pencils, liners, gels, stencils, etc), but their newest one is pretty amazing.  DipBrow is a brow pomade that comes in a pot, which you apply with an angled brush.  It comes in a variety of shades, is waterproof, and can be used alone or with other products.  DipBrow provides light control and shading, which is great if your  brows are a bit sparse or light.  It has a nice, powdery finish that does not appear heavy or fake.
I used the DipBrow pomade (in Blonde) this morning for the first time, and I am very impressed with its wear and longevity.  I did not use any other brow products, aside from my angled and spoolie brushes, and my brows are lookin' good! At $18 it is not exactly inexpensive, but it works well and has the potential to cut out other products that you may use in your brow arsenal.  Worth it!

A little DipBrow pot, so you can a feel for the size.

Brow drawn on my hand using the DipBrow in Blonde and an angled brush.

Me wearing Dipbrow!

My apologies, I am a slacker!

Hi my dear readers! I am so sorry to go so long without posting anything.  I have been very busy and let my writing slip.  I will be posting new reads starting tomorrow, so please bear with me and thank  you for reading, in the mean time.