Tutorial: Cat Eye and Nude Lip

Here is a quick tutorial for a fun look.  The key product for this look is eyeliner, of course!  I used a gel eyeliner and a thin brush, but you can use a liquid liner or even a powder eyeshadow with a damp eyeliner brush to achieve the same look.  I would advise against using a pencil liner, which makes it difficult to achieve a sharp line.  Otherwise, you can use whatever you want, and you can easily change up the lip color or blush to suit your needs.  

1.  Apply your favorite foundation, tinted moisturizer, mineral foundation- whatever you like!

2.  Apply a primer to your eyelids and then swipe on a skin-toned eyeshadow.  Otherwise, you could just apply a skin-toned cream eyeshadow.

3.  Using the eyeliner of your choice (I used Bobbi Brown Gel Liner), draw a thin line across the upper lash line, sweeping up at the outer corners.  Draw a thin line along the lower lash line as well.  The best trick to achieve a flattering wing is to use your lower lash line as a guide- basically continue to draw a guide line in the direction of the tail of your eyebrow.  Don't feel like both sides have to match exactly upon eyeliner application.   You can always use a pointed cotton swab dipped in makeup remover or moisturizer to clean up any mistakes or correct a wing. I connected my eyeliner at the inner and outer corners for this look, but you don't have to.

4.  Once you have perfected your eyeliner, curl your lashes and apply your favorite mascara.

5.  Fill your brows lightly and set with brow gel or wax.

6.  Apply a orange cream blush with a brush (or your fingers) to the apples of your cheeks.  I used Stila Convertible Color in Gladiola here.

7.  Apply your favorite nude lipstick.  I had just purchased Hourglass's Femme Nude Lip Stylo ($30) in shade 3.  The cool thing about this line of lipsticks is the shade offering covers various shades of nude.  You could also use my concealer trick from my "Lip Tip" post to save a few bucks:)


Done and done!

Tips for Mature Skin

One request I frequently get is to provide tips for the mature ladies out there.  Here are ten tips that will help those women feel confident, put together, and youthful.

1.  Moisturize and prime-  Using a good moisturizer (whatever suits your skin type) will keep your skin supple and prevent makeup from looking cakey over top.  A nice primer, such as Revlon Photo Ready Color Correcting Primer ($14), can be used to help plump up wrinkles and fine lines and provides a smoother surface for foundation application.  

2.  Do NOT use a ton of foundation-  One of the biggest makeup mistakes for any age is attempting to use makeup to conceal skin texture rather than color.  Makeup, for the most part, can only do so much for concealing skin texture (primer can help with texture to a degree).  You actually need less foundation then you think; just a light layer to even out any discoloration and/or age spots.  I love silicone-based formulas for mature skin because they provide a youthful glow and also address some texture issues.  One to try: Maybelline Dream Wonder Fluid-touch Foundation ($10).  I would also suggest using a damp Beauty Blender sponge to apply foundation because it helps press foundation into the skin (so it does not appear to sit on top of the skin).  

3.  Do NOT use a ton of under eye concealer-  This echoes tip #2; you only need a light swipe of concealer to correct under eye discoloration.  Applying too much concealer can cause caking, creasing and settling into wrinkles and lines that end up exaggerating them rather than masking them.  I would recommend a concealer that contains a primer, like Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser ($9) and apply a light layer by dabbing into the under eye area with your ring finger.  

4.  Stick to matte or satin eyeshadows-  Using matte or satin eyeshadows look the most flattering on mature women.  Too much shimmer or sparkle draws attention to fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes.  I prefer to use neutral browns and plums since they tend to flatter nearly everyone.  

5.  Apply eyeliner and then smudge it into your lash line-  Avoid harsh lines around the eyes, since they can exaggerate darkness in the eye area.  Try applying a cream or powder eyeliner and blend it with a brush or cotton swab to smudge it.  Smudging the liner into the lash line also makes lashes appear thicker- another benefit since most of us tend to lose eyelashes as we age.  

6.  Curl lashes and apply mascara-  Curling lashes opens the eye area up, since most people start encountering droopiness, and applying mascara thickens lashes.  

7.  Groom eyebrows-  We also tend to lose eyebrow thickness as we age, so filling in brows with a little pencil and/or powder helps define them.  Brows that are too thin can be aging, so this creates a more youthful look.  

8.  Invest in a good cream blush-  Cream blush is a must for mature skin.  It can be pressed into the skin to create a natural flush, while powder blush tends to sit atop of the skin.  Choose a color that suits your skin tone; try pinching your cheeks and see what color they turn.  You should look for a shade close to that color.  

9.  Use a lip liner-  We tend to lose fullness in the lips as part of the aging process, so using a neutral lip liner can help define and also prevents lip color from bleeding outside of the lip line.  

10.  Avoid too much powder-  This is basically just to reiterate that most powder products end up looking cakey on the skin, since it tends to settle into fine lines and wrinkles.  If you tend to be oily or shiny, try applying a light layer of setting powder only to those areas.  Better yet, try using blotting papers instead.  

As always, I hope these tips are helpful and if you have any questions, please let me know!

Product Love: Lorac Pro Palette

Over the years, I have been pretty much used Urban Decay eyeshadows exclusively, mostly because of their palette product offerings.  A couple weeks ago I decided to try something a little different, and came across the Lorac Pro Palette ($42) at Ulta.  This palette contains 16 eyeshadows, half of which are shimmery and half of which are matte.  The shades are all neutrals, with a range from pale nude to dark plum and black.   It also contains a mini bottle of Lorac's eyeshadow primer to ensure your makeup lasts longer.
The pigmentation is amazing, which means the product will last you a long time since you don't need to apply as much for good color payoff.  The matte shades look rich and not chalky at all, and the shimmery ones are not overly shimmery.  I have been using this on all of my clients lately, and have nothing but good things to say about it.  You can obtain anything from a very natural, everyday look to a dramatic evening look with this palette.  I would definitely recommend the Lorac Pro Palette if you want a broad range of eyeshadow colors, but tend to stick to neutral shades.

This is what the palette looks like; as you can see, mine is already well-loved:)

These are the shadows, exactly as they appear in the palette.  I did not use primer for the swatches. 

Product Love: Facial Sprays

Facial sprays seem pretty unnecessary if you have never tried one.  However, a good facial spray can  help tone, refresh, and moisturize the skin in a quick and very easy step.  

I have been using Mario Badescu's Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater ($12) to set my powder foundation if it is feeling a little cakey.  It is also awesome as a refresher after being outside in the hot, humid weather.  Plus it smells SO good!

On my clients, I have been using Caudalie's Beauty Elixir  ($18) to tone and/or set makeup.  This facial spray contains essential oils (herbal-smelling) which help boost radiance as well.  The Beauty Elixir is formulated without synthetic fragrances and colors and contains no parabens, sulfates or any other junkie stuff.

Lip Tip

If you want to create the perfect nude lip shade but don't want to spend the time and money to buy a new product, just take a neutral lipstick (I think is safe to say that must of us have a light pink or rose color lying around) and add a tiny bit of your concealer to it.  Mix it around and apply.  Add a small amount at a time, so you can control the amount of pink to nude ratio.  By using your concealer, you will have the perfect shade of nude that suits YOUR skin tone, since your concealer should coordinate with your skin to begin with.  Plus, you can save some cash!

If you really like what you come up with, buy a small plastic jar with a lid and create a bigger batch of the shade so you have it on hand the next time you need it.

Tutorial: Easy Summer Makeup

Generally in the summer, we don't feel like piling on makeup.  Most of us are a little tanner and don't feel like we need as much makeup, plus we don't want to worry about makeup melting and sliding off of our faces.  We also would rather enjoy the nice weather rather than spending a long time getting ready.  Here is a very quick and easy summer makeup look that anyone can pull off.

Just wanted to point out that the eyeshadow pencil I used in this photo is on SALE for $5 on the Urban Decay website!!!  The color I used was "rehab."


1.  Apply your favorite moisturizer (regular or tinted).

2.  Conceal under eye area and any redness on the face.

3.  If you prefer, apply a mineral powder foundation to even out the skin tone.

4.  Apply bronzer where the sun naturally hits the face- around the hairline, on the top of the nose and cheekbones, and along the jawline.  A lot of makeup artists will say to use a number 3 motion on the sides of the face, starting at the hair line then swooping down to the cheeks and then the jaw (on both sides of the face).

5.  Swirl on your favorite blush.  This look is especially pretty with a cream blush.

6.  Apply your favorite highlighter on the top of your cheekbones.

7.  Using a soft eyeshadow pencil in a gold or bronze shade, swipe all the way across your eyelids (lash line to crease) and under the lower lash line.  Then using a blending brush to blend the shadow pencil all over, concentrating on really buffing it into the crease.

8.  Line the waterlines (top and bottom) of the eyes with a waterproof eyeliner pencil.

9.  Curl lashes and apply your favorite waterproof mascara.

10.  Fill brows and use a little gel to keep them in place.

11.  Apply a bright pink lipstick to your lips and blot.  I used Nars Semi Matte lipstick in "Funny Face".  A good dupe is Maybelline Color Sensational Lip Color in "Fifth Avenue Fuchsia".

Done and done!

A Quick Lesson: How to Conceal a Zit

One of my best friends requested that I write a post about concealing zits, since unfortunately this is a beauty issue most of us face from time to time.

Depending on whether you use a powder or liquid/cream foundation formula, you will change the order of these steps slightly.  If you use a powder foundation (i.e.: mineral foundation), you will conceal prior to applying foundation.  If you use a liquid or cream foundation formula, you will conceal after you apply the foundation.

You will need four products aside from your favorite foundation: a small, pointed makeup brush (like this one), a small blending brush, a creamy concealer that matches your skin tone, and a loose powder.  I personally use Bare Minerals Correcting Concealer Broad Spectrum SPF 20 in Light 2 and Mineral Veil (original).   If you have spots that are very red, you may also want to use a green color corrector prior to the concealer, which will neutralize the redness.

1.  Dip the brush into the concealer.  You only need a little bit of the product on the very tip of the bristles (no need to waste product!).  Apply directly to the zit using a stippling motion, making sure not to conceal the area around it.

2.  Using your finger, lightly tap over the concealed spot.  This helps to press the product into the skin (so it does not look as if it is sitting on top of the skin) and will give the most natural look.

3.  Using a small blender brush, apply the loose powder directly to the concealed spot to help set it. Use a delicate touch so you do not uncover the concealer you just applied.

4.  Repeat as necessary for additional zits/red spots.  

There you have it- pretty simple.  The most important thing to remember is that makeup will only help conceal the redness or discoloration; it will NOT change the texture of the skin (i.e.: erase bumps/inflammation).  To help zits heal quickly, do not pick and use your favorite spot treatment daily.  You may want to try hydrocortisone cream, which I find helps speed the healing process.  I also rub an ice cube over the inflamed area to help reduce the swelling (for those painful cystic acne spots).

Easy Special Occasion Makeup Tutorial

Considering we are in the midst of wedding season, I thought I would share a relatively simple makeup tutorial.  This look is perfect for any special occasion and should not take a long time to replicate.  You can easily change the look with different eyeshadow, eyeliner, and lipstick combinations.  The key is to look put together, fresh and pretty, but take it up a notch by adding some false lashes to the mix.   If you are scared or do not like the idea of applying false lashes, you can skip that step- do not fret!

Below you will see a photo of the finished look, which is a pretty typical style for my brides and bridesmaids.

This is the final look- the look we are aiming for! Defined eyes, natural but defined brows and even, natural-looking skin.  

Step 1: Moisturize your face and under eye area based on your skin type/concerns.  For most of clients, I normally use Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre ($16), which moisturizes and primes in one step. 

Step 2: Prime skin if necessary.  Apply primer to eyelids and under eye area as needed.  Apply lip balm to moisturize lips.  

While your moisturizer and lip balm is absorbing, you will start your eyeshadow application*.  For the look in the photo, I used a combination of different grays and taupes from Inglot Cosmetics and Smashbox Full Exposure palette ($49).  I recommend either using a gray or brown/taupe/bronze color palette because it is generally the most flattering, and because they are neutrals, you have a little more leeway with the rest of your makeup.  Also, try to use eyeshadows that are not too shimmery or sparkly.

Step 3:  Apply your base eyeshadow color all the way across your eyelids, from lash line to crease.  Next, apply a lighter shadow on the inner corners of the eyes.  Lastly, take the deepest shadow and a blending blush to lightly define your outer corners and crease of your eye (outer "v" area).  I typically also take a small pencil brush and apply the medium or deep shade along the lower lash line to add definition, but it is up to you.

Step 4:  Apply black eyeliner pencil in a very fine line all the way across your upper lash lines.  If you prefer to add a wing/cat eye, wait until Step 7.  I really like MAC Powerpoint Eye Pencil in Engraved ($16) because it is waterproof and is easy to apply.  If you prefer, you can also add liner to the waterline, lower lash line, etc.  

Step 5: Curl your lashes and apply your favorite mascara (mine is Loreal Voluminous Waterproof formula $7.99) to upper and lower lashes. Continue to step 6 if you would like to try false eyelashes.  Otherwise, skip to step 7.  

Step 6:  Using a good quality set of false lashes, hold up to your eyelid to ensure the width of the lashes is not too wide or long for your eyes.  If necessary, trim a tiny bit off of each of the lash bands; this is extremely important for the lashes to look natural and feel comfortable while wearing them.  Using a pointed cotton swab, apply a good clear lash glue (I love DUO, $9) to the band of the lashes.  Wait about 30 seconds for the glue to get tacky (makes it easier to apply).  I prefer to use tweezers to place the false lashes onto the base of my eyelid and push into place.  This also allows you to secure the middle of the lashes first, then each corner.  This is MUCH easier than any other way I have tried previously.  A good video tutorial can be found here.  

Step 7:  After allowing the glue to dry, use a gel eyeliner and a small brush to cover the band of the lashes.  You can also create any eyeliner shape you prefer.  I love MAC Fluidline ($16).  

Step 8:  Clean up under eye area from any eyeshadow fall out*.  This is why we did eye makeup prior to complexion makeup!  Apply for favorite under eye concealer.  Lately I have been using Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer ($8.99) applied with a blending brush.  Set with a little powder or setting spray.  Make sure you blend well and go all the way up to the lower lash line.  If you applied lower lash eyeliner, you can always go back with your eyeliner and touch up as needed after concealing.  

Step 9:  Apply your favorite liquid or cream foundation using a damp sponge.  You know I love the Beauty Blender!  Make sure the foundation is blended well, especially around your jawline, neck and ears.  For my clients, I usually use Face Atelier Ultra foundation ($34).

Step 10:  Swipe on a light layer of bronzer around the hairline, temples, underneath the cheekbones, and on the jawline.  Next, apply your favorite highlighting product on the cheekbones.  Lately I have been using Nars Bronzing Powder in Laguna ($38) to bronze and MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Soft and Gentle ($32) or RMS Living Luminizer ($38) to highlight.  

Step 11:  Apply a cream blush with a stippling brush (or the fat end of the Beauty Blender) onto the apples of the cheeks.  You can also layer this with a powder blush for extra staying power.

Step 12:  Fill your brows as needed and set with a wax or brow gel.

Step 13:  Apply lip liner (if preferred/necessary) and a long wear lipstick.  I tend to use rose or muted pinks since they look good on most folks and don't look as washed out in photographs (like say, a nude color, would).  I recommend Rimmel Lasting Lipsticks ($6) because they are inexpensive and really last.  

Step 14:  Apply powder and/or a makeup setting spray all over the face.  Right now, I like Skindinavia Makeup Finishing Spray (Bridal formula, $29). 

Whew! Done and done:)  

Favorite Products- My Must Haves

"What is your favorite (eyeliner/lipstick/etc) product" is one of the questions I am most frequently asked.  Behind that is "what brand do you use?"  To be honest, I use whatever works well to get the results I want! I do not use any one brand for all of my products, and I am not opposed to using drugstore buys.  I am not paid by anyone to review these products, so these are my own honest opinions based on my experience/use.
Below you will find a list of my personal favorites for different categories of makeup products.

Foundation:  Face Atelier Ultra Foundation Pro ($31.99) is a silicone-based formula which imparts a beautiful glow to the skin and does not require a separate primer.  It is a must for my brides.  Unfortunately it is only available online, so shade matching may be difficult.
For my own use, I prefer Bare Minerals Original Foundation ($27) which does not make me break out and helps my skin look more even.  Plus, the added SPF is always good.

Concealer (under eye):  For my kit, my current favorite is Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer ($9) (just reviewed in my last post) because of its coverage and non-cakey finish.  I also love Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer ($29), which offers a larger shade range than the Maybelline.  It also provides good coverage for the under eye area and does not look cakey or exaggerate fine lines.

Eyeshadow Primer: I used to be 100% loyal to Urban Decay's Original Eyeshadow Primer Potion ($20), but recently picked up the Nars Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base ($25) which also performs beautifully.  Both keep shadows in place all day so there are no smudging or creasing issues.

Eyeshadow:  Urban Decay's Naked 2 Palette ($54 -includes brush) has been one of my favorites for awhile, thanks to the range of wearable neutrals.  Maybelline's Eye Studio Color Tattoo Eyeshadow ($6.99) works wonderfully as a base or all over as a shadow, thanks to the creamy, long-wearing formula.

Eyeliner: For a pencil formula, I love Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Pencil ($20) because it is waterproof and does not come off until I whip out the makeup remover.  Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner ($9.99) is a great dupe for more expensive gel formulas and is easy to use (with a angled brush).

Lipstick:  Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencils ($25) are worth every penny, with the broad range of colors available as well as the lasting power.  It is the only product (in my opinion) that continues to look good while it wears off- hours after application, of course! A less expensive option that I keep in my kit which works similarly is Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balm ($8.99).  Another great thing about both products is the pencil applicator, which negates the need for a lip liner.

Mascara: I am a cheapie in this category- I love L'Oreal Voluminous Volume Building Mascara ($7.99) and Voluminous False Fiber Lashes ($8.99).  Both work just as well as high-end, more expensive brands of mascara for a fraction of the cost.

Blush: Nars blushes ($30) are my all-time favorite.  In my kit, I keep BH Cosmetics 10 Color Professional Blush Palette ($12!) which contains beautiful colors, similar to those offered by Nars, that look good on a variety of skin tones.

Bronzer: Nars Laguna ($38) all the way.  I have yet to find a comparable alternative, so this is in my personal stash as well as my kit.  The formula is not shimmery and not too orange, which means the finish looks natural.

Lashes:  Ardell Demi Wispies ($4.99) are always stocked in my kit.  They are glamorous yet natural, and look good on almost everyone.

Brows: Senna Brow Book is my kit fave.  Senna also offers smaller palettes for personal use.  For pencil products, I love Anastasia Brow Wiz ($21) and Hourglass Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil ($32).

Most of the products listed above

If I left something off the list that interests you, please let me know and I will add it in.

June Faves

Considering the damage I did just a month ago at the Makeup Show, I should not be shopping for makeup and hair products.  BUT I am crazy and love beauty products, and sharing my thoughts about them with you- so here we are again!

After reading some other blogs, I decided to buy RMS Living Luminizer, which is a gorgeous, natural looking (not glittery/too shimmery) cream highlighter.  It is a little pricey ($38!), but you only need to use a little at a time, so it should last awhile.  It imparts a beautiful, healthy-looking glow to the skin.  Apply with your fingers or a brush to the high points of the face (tops of cheekbones, brow bone, cupid's bow, etc).  This is a great summer product- something that looks fresh, pretty and can be applied quickly and easily.

The last few months I have had issues finding a shampoo and conditioner that keeps my frizzy hair tamed and at the same time does not make it lifeless.  I was recommended Davines Beautifying Shampoo and Conditioner ($26 each), and have to say I am very impressed.  Both products smell AMAZING and the formulas seem very balanced.  The shampoo is creamy but gentle, and the conditioner is rich and thick.  In fact the shampoo and conditioner are for all hair types, which initially scared me since my hair is on the dry side, but my hair has been well-behaved since I starting this regimen.   Oh, and they work well for when I wear my hair both wavy and straight, which is another plus.  I highly recommend this line based on my experience so far.

Now, for a inexpensive drugstore buy! Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer is pretty dang great considering it is under $10.   Obviously, this is marketed for mature skin, but it works well on anyone.  It is creamy but does not crease or settle into fine lines and blends easily into the under eye area.  Unfortunately, the shade range is not great (4 shades, plus one brightener and one neutralizer), but women with darker skin tones may be able to use this product as more of a highlighting product.


Please let me know what you think if you try any of these products, or if you have a product you have been liking lately and want to share.

Getting Ready for Summer Tips and Tricks

I doubt most people will be sitting inside reading blog posts this weekend (FINALLY amazing weather has come!), but I just wanted to share five quick beauty/makeup tips to get you ready for summer.

1.  Don't forget to wear sunscreen!  This is not a new or interesting tip, but skin cancer is at an all time high and why wouldn't you want to prevent wrinkles and premature aging if you can?!  Your face makeup may have a little added sunscreen, but it is not generally enough to really protect your skin, so add an extra layer beneath it- your skin will thank you.  There are all kinds of formulas out there (including lotions, creams, powders, gels, you name it), so there are no excuses to get you out of this one.
If you have oily/acne-prone, you should try something that is non-comedogenic (won't clog pores), such as Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral Powder SPF 30 ($30).  If your skin is dry, you should try a formula with added nutrients, like Vitamin E to help keep skin soft and moisturized, like L'Oreal Advanced Suncare Silky Sheer BB Face Lotion 50+ ( $10.99).  If you have sensitive/reactive skin, you should look into a sunscreen that uses physical UV blockers (think zinc) rather than chemical sunscreens which can aggregate skin (try Aveeno Baby Natural Protection Stick SPF 50 ($9.99)).  If you are looking for something to protect your skin and provide anti-aging benefits, try a sunscreen with chemical blockers like Helioplex or Mexoryl SX, which supposedly work wonders.  Give Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer with Broad Spectrum Suncreen SPF 30 ($13.99) a whirl.

2.  Get a good trim and condition your hair!  With all the sun, sand, and beach/pool water you are bound to expose your hair to, you should try to start with as clean a slate as possible.  Go get a trim to clean up those scraggly ends and use as rich of a deep conditioner that your hair can take on a weekly basis.  If you need a DIY hair conditioner recipe, read my post Coconut Oil for Deep Conditioning.

3.  Keep hydrated!  Another no-brainer, but keeping your body well-hydrated will keep your skin, nails, hair- well, everything- in tip-top shape.  Also, a good swipe of lotion all over and a slick of lip balm does wonders:)  Something quick and easy for the summer: Vaseline Spray & Go Total Moisture Spray

4.  Try a bright lip color!  Generally, we all wear less makeup in the summer, but it is a great time to try a nice, juicy shade of lipstick or gloss- you probably have a little tan and a pink, orange or coral will look especially flattering.  Plus, you just need to add a little mascara and you look "done".  Revlon has some inexpensive and amazing options.


5.  Clean out your beauty supplies!  Technically, this does not need to be done at any particular part of the year, but I just thought it would be a good reminder.  Your makeup and skincare products do NOT stay good forever, so do an inventory on what you have that is still good, throw out what is not, and make a list for what you need to replace (or even upgrade!).  Generally speaking, you should chuck mascara whenever it starts getting dried out (3 months max, like a toothbrush!), liquids (like foundations and concealers) after about 6-12 months, and powders (blush, eyeshadow) after a couple years.
And clean your makeup brushes while you are at it:)

I hope you all enjoy your Memorial Day weekend, thanks again for reading!

Product Review: Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick

Hello lovelies! I am trying out a new format for product reviews, so please let me know what you think.

Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick, shown in the color "Carina".

Product: Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick

Cost:  $22.00

Where to purchase: www.stilacosmetics.com, Sephora, Ulta

Colors available: Ten colors, ranging from pale pink to deep red and plum

Packaging:  Comes in a lipgloss tube with a doe foot applicator

Feel:  Does not feel thick and sticky like a gloss; kind of a silky, creamy feel when first applied.  After wear for a couple hours, starts feeling dry on the lips.

Finish:  Matte, full coverage

Longevity:  Lasts for up to six hours without budging.  Product may start to fade on the inner part of the lips after eating and needs to be reapplied.

Worth it?  This is probably one of my favorite purchases I have made in awhile makeup-wise.  The color range is beautiful and the staying power is awesome.  My husband likes it because he can still kiss me without getting any lipstick on himself (haha).  I think it is a good buy, but beware- the color clings to your lips, so some scrubbing may be needed when you are ready to take it off.

Tutorial: Super Quick and Easy Smokey Eye

Since I have not posted a tutorial in awhile, I thought I would share this extremely easy and quick look.  It is probably the most fool-proof way of achieving a smokey eye, in my opinion.  You really only need three makeup products to achieve this look.

You will need a cream eyeshadow or cream/gel eyeliner product (I used Stila's Smudge Pot in Brown), a neutral eyeshadow for blending (I used the shade "Tease" from my Urban Decay Naked 2 palette, which is a mauvey-taupe color), and a regular eyeliner pencil in either black or brown (on this day, I used Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Pencil in Zero).  You will also need two makeup brushes; a flat, synthetic eye shadow brush (a concealer brush will work perfectly if you do not have a synthetic eyeshadow brush) and a small blending brush.  

***This is a side note, but I bought a Wayne Goss flat eyeshadow brush at the Makeup Show last weekend and it is seriously amazing- so soft, and applies product beautifully!  If you are in the market for new makeup brushes, these are pretty nice and are sold in handy kits (eyes, face, etc).***

Anyway, back to to business!

1.  Apply foundation, concealer, complexion products of your choice.  If you are new to the smokey eye technique, you can always start with your eye makeup instead, which allows you to clean up any shadow fall out.  Since we are starting with a cream based product, there really shouldn't be much mess though:)

2.  Dip your flat eyeshadow brush into your cream eyeshadow/eyeliner product.  Using a tiny bit of product, start pressing the eyeshadow color all over your eyelid.  Repeat over entire eyelid and then on the other eye.  Take the skinny side of the brush and the cream shadow and draw a line under your lower eyelids, starting at the inner corner and drawing toward the outer corner.  This does not need to be perfect, since you will be smudging in the next step!

3.  Take your blending brush and start blending all over the eyelid in circular motions.  Blend upward toward the crease of your eyelid, so the color starts looking diffused.  Gently swipe the blending brush back and forth along your lower lash line as well.

4.  Dip your blending brush into a neutral eyeshadow and using a windshield wiper motion, blend the eyeshadow into the crease of your eyelid.  Once again, gently swipe the brush over the lower lash line carefully.

5.  Using your pencil liner, if you wish, line the waterlines of the eyes.  This helps enhance the smoldering effect of the smokey eye look.

6.  Curl lashes and apply your favorite mascara- and groom brows, of course!

There you have it!  Please let me know if you have any questions about any of the products or instructions in this post.  If you try this look, please let me know what you think:)

Product Review: BareMinerals Bare Skin Brightening Serum Foundation

If you are a reader of my blog, you should already be aware of my love for the original BareMinerals powder foundation. I have been using it for about 5 years, as it is the only thing my sensitive, acne-prone skin can handle. When BareMinerals announced their new liquid foundation launch, I ran to my local Sephora to buy it (launch was May 1st). This foundation is unlike any other I have tried. The salesperson at Sephora compared it to the Georgio Armani Maestro foundation, which has a nice, light feel and looks amazing, but contains silicones. If your skin is not sensitive, silicones are not an issue, and actually help give the complexion a smoother finish (for those with more mature skin especially). However, silicones can make sensitive or acne-prone skin react/breakout, so unfortunately they are a no-go for me. Anyway, the Bare Skin foundation feels like a serum; it is not the typical liquid or cream foundation. The ingredients include Vitamin C, which helps brighten the skin, and lilac stem cells, which are antioxidants. In addition to the anti-aging ingredients, titanium dioxide is added as a physical sunscreen (SPF 20), just like in the original BareMinerals formula. The Bare Skin foundation is totally buildable, which means you can obtain anywhere from sheer coverage to full coverage, depending on how much you apply.  To apply, simply shake the bottle, apply 2-6 drops onto a foundation brush (or your hands if you prefer), and blend.  Pretty easy!   Today is my second time wearing this foundation and I have  to tell you, it is awesome! It basically just makes your skin look beautiful and fresh, rather than "makeupy" or cakey. Plus it is feels nice and light on the skin, which I know is a big concern for those who wear foundation. I recommend setting the Bare Skin with a powder (especially if you have oily skin) such as BareMinerals Mineral Veil, to keep everything in place after application. It truly is a great product, in my opinion!The foundation is sold (separately) with a special brush ($28) to allow a perfect application, which works well, but in my opinion you could probably use any foundation brush with it.
The BareSkin Brightening Serum foundation is available in 20 shades and can be purchased for about $29 at Sephora, Ulta or BareMinerals stores.

Me wearing my new fave product! I am wearing the foundation in "ivory". Lipstick is Nars Red Square. 

If you try this out, please let me know your thoughts in the comments section.  I am sorry about the font/formatting of this post, I wrote it on the Blogger app.  

* Update- I think this is a great product, but I did start breaking out while using it.  I went back to the original BM formula, but will keep this in my vanity to use when I want a little more coverage.  Just wanted to be up front with you guys!

Beauty Blender, I love you.

If you have never used a Beauty Blender, you are really missing out on a quite a gem of a product.

Beauty Blenders are not new, but if you have never used the little, pink, egg-shaped sponges, you should give it a try.  The Beauty Blender can be used with any liquid or cream product (i.e.: concealer, foundation, highlighter, etc) and produce an amazing, airbrushed look.  Somehow the sponge applies the perfect amount of makeup and absorbs excess product at the same time.  I like to dampen the sponge with water, then squeeze out the excess moisture before dipping it into makeup.  Use the broader end to apply makeup to larger areas of the face, and the skinnier side to apply to smaller areas- it works like a dream for nooks and crannies like the under eye area and around the nostrils!  Lately I have been using these little babies for foundation, concealer and highlighter application on my clients, and I am in love.

You can buy Beauty Blender from Sephora ($20 for 1, $30 for 2), which seems a little steep for a sponge, but they are reusable if you remember to be good about cleansing them (as often as any other makeup brush!).  It is $20 well spent in my opinion.

My Beauty Blender multi-pack (including their cleanser) for my makeup kit, along with a few other goodies from Naimies.

April Product Love

Gotta love the still shots from a video.  Haha!  Please excuse my skin, I have a little breakout happening.

Products mentioned:  Bumble and Bumble Cityswept finishing spray ($29.00) and Revlon PhotoReady Skinlights   ($12.99)

Spring Makeup Inspiration

Just in time for the weekend, here is a little spring inspiration (if the weather will ever decide to stay warm!).

Clean skin, groomed brows, a little mascara, and a bright orange lip (preferably with a matte finish).

Photos via Harper's Bazaar/Pinterest. Collage created through Pic Collage app.

Products to try:  Revlon Colorburst Matte Lip Balm in Audacious ($6) , Lipstick Queen Lipstick in Jungle Queen ($22), Bite Beauty Matte Creme Lip Crayon in Clementine ($24)

When Did This Become a Hair Blog?

I am  apologizing ahead of time for the amount of selfies in this post.  It is really to demonstrate the product review!

Before; smooth and straight.  

After;  this is literally just from being outside in the humid, windy weather.

Funny story-  I straightened my hair for my vacation to Florida, which was probably a terrible idea.  The top photo is my nice, straight hair.  The next morning I had breakfast outside, and my hair went back to its original form (wavy) almost instantaneously.  My hair was growing (outward) by the minute; on this course, it would have been a lion's mane by lunch.  I decided rather than to fight it, I would embrace my natural texture.  I ran out of my trusty MoroccanOil, but found something I may like even better to replace it.  I discovered Kerastase's Elixir Ultime, which is a hair oil supposedly for all hair types (listed on the bottle).  Not only does this oil make my hair shiny and smooth, it also smells amazing!  It is a little pricey ($24 for the travel size bottle), but a tiny drop goes a long way.  It is worth a try, if you want a good splurge!

Kerastase Elixir Ultime

Wavy but polished strands, thanks to this product.

DIY: Baking Soda Clarifying Treatment

Here is a super quick, inexpensive and easy hair clarifying treatment that requires only two things you likely have laying around your house:

1.  Your favorite shampoo

2.  A tablespoon of baking soda

I have been using this little mixture for years now, whenever I feel like my hair is heavy or needs a thorough cleansing.  

All you need to do is wet your hair and shampoo like normal.  Prior to rinsing the shampoo out of your hair, add in the baking soda and scrub it into your scalp.  Rinse the shampoo and baking soda out of your hair, and apply your favorite conditioner.  Don't be surprised if you can feel the leftover gunk and hair product residue coming out of your hair when you rinse!  You will love how shiny, soft and light your hair feels after using this simple recipe.

My shiny (ok, shinIER) hair after the DIY treatment.  

Sneak Peak: Some of my Professional Work

Once again, I apologize in the delay between my posts! I was out of town for the weekend, and finally have the chance to write:)

I received some exciting news from my friend Carol Persons (an AMAZING photographer in the DC area) that photographs from a photo shoot we did right before Thanksgiving will be published in the April edition of Lucy's Magazine!  To tide you over till the release date, which is April 18th by the way, I wanted to share a sneak peak from the spread.

Model: Alex Babiarz

Photographer: Carol Persons

Photography Assistant: Michael Woodward

Styling: Alex Babiarz and Carol Persons

Makeup by me

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.

Tutorial: Purple Lipstick Evening Look

First off, just wanted to apologize for the lack of posts.  I am busy preparing for wedding season and learning how to style hair as well (undos and whatnot).  I don't mean to neglect my blog, especially since it is still pretty new!  

Here is a tutorial for a relatively simple look that works well for night time, and the purple lipstick is a little bit unexpected compared to a red or pink.

1.  Prep skin with moisturizer of your choice. If you live in a cold climate (or have dry skin), the more moisture the better!  I like to blend Mario Badescu's AHA and Ceramide Moisturizer with some BareMinerals Tinted Moisturizer.

2.  Conceal dark under eye circles and any redness (acne, rosacea, etc) with concealer of your choice. This step ensures an even skin tone that will not compete with the lipstick shade.  I like Nars Creamy Radiant Concealer for the under eye area and Bobbi Brown Touch Up Stick for the rest of my spots.

3.  Apply foundation (if you want or feel you need it), like BareMinerals Original Foundation with a big brush.  If you prefer liquid foundation, I also suggest using a stippling brush or Beauty Blender sponge for flawless coverage.

4.  Apply bronzer to hairline, down the bridge of your nose, cheekbones and jawline. Then apply a light peachy pink blush.  I routinely use Nars Laguna Bronzer and Orgasm Blush.

5.  Fill in your brows!  If you want to know how, watch my video tutorial:)

6.  Prime eyelids with your favorite primer to ensure long-lasting eye makeup.  As you may have read previously, I LOVE Urban Decay's Original Priming Potion.

7.  Apply waterproof black eyeliner on upper and lower waterlines, smudging into the base of the lashes.  This does not need to look perfect, since it will be blended for the finished look.  I love Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-on Eye Pencil in Zero.

8.  Using a pencil blending brush dipped in a cool-toned taupe eyeshadow, blend and smudge the eyeliner so the line looks diffused and soft.  Blend from the lash line up toward the lid.  You can add more liner to the waterline if you prefer.  I used Urban Decay's Naked 2 Palette for the eyeshadow (I believe I used "Pistol")

9.  Swirl on a lighter eyeshadow ("Verve" is the shadow I used) onto the lid using an eyeshadow blending brush (no need to use a shader brush).  Then with the same shade of eyeshadow used to blend the liner, apply color to the crease of the eye with the same blending brush.  Blend until everything looks as seamless as possible.

10.  Curl lashes and apply mascara of your choice.  I think I used L'Oreal Voluminous here.

11.  Line lips with a neutral lipliner, then apply purple lipstick straight from the tube  (I used my favorite MAC Heroine lipstick).  Blot lips with a tissue and you are good to go:)

Please let me know how you like this tutorial and / or if there is anything you would like to hear more about!

A Quick Lesson: How to Fill Your Brows, Part 2

In continuation of my previous post on how to fill your brows, this tutorial will explain more about shaping and the "Magic Brow Ratio".

The "Magic Brow Ratio" is the easiest and best way to determine where the brows should start and end to best frame the fact.  It also helps to locate where the arch should appear for the most natural, flattering look.  If you have over plucked in the past, no worries!  You can use this guide to help fill your brows, and once you know the shape you should be aiming for, it will make it easier to pluck only where necessary.  All you need to get started is a straight edged tool, like a makeup brush, and a brow pencil to mark the three key measurements.

In order to achieve the ideal brow, there are three key measurements :  The inner brow, the arch, and tail.

1.  The Inner brow:  The inner part of the brow, or head of the brow, should start around the same line as the side of your nose.  Hold your "measuring tool" flush against your nostril and make a little mark if necessary as a guide.

2.  The Arch:  The arch of the brow should start the distance from the side of the nose to the outer edge of the iris (colorful part of the eye).  This should be the highest point of the brow.  Using your measuring tool, measure diagonally from the nostril to the iris and make a little mark with your pencil.

3.  The Tail: The tail of the brow should end around the area from where the side of your nostril and the outer corner of your eye.  Use your measuring tool to continue to measure diagonally from the nostril to the outer corner of the eye, as shown above.  Make a mark where the tail should be.


Next, you will use these marks as guides while filling the brows.  Once again, this helps to give you the idea of what your ideal brow placement should be, so you can fill the brows more effectively.  The next few steps are my typical routine when doing my brows.

I usually focus most of my definition on the arch and tail of my brows, since my inner brow area is pretty much where I want it to be.  My eyebrows are not perfectly matched (nobody has perfectly matching ones!) and so I have to define one a little more than the other to make them look as matched as possible without looking phony.  As I mentioned in my previous brow post, a brow that is too squared off in the inner corner is a look that some people are into, but it can look very harsh.

Here I have added my pencil to define and lengthen my brow.  The next step I usually add is to use a little concealer and a concealer brush to trace the upper line of the brow as well as the tail.  This helps to make the penciled in areas look more natural.  (Okay, I know that sounds weird since I am taking about adding more makeup to make it look natural, but trust me! I will add a post on this soon!) 

To blend the concealer so there is no telltale sign of it, I use a blending brush (a clean eyeshadow blending brush) to blend it.  

Lastly, I fill my brows with a little powder and add a little clear eyebrow gel.  Ta-da!

Super easy, glasses-wearer friendly makeup tutorial

Here is a very simple look, which is perfect for anyone really, but especially for those who wear glasses.  When you wear glasses, you don't need to wear as much makeup (generally speaking), which is awesome.  You do have to play up certain features, like your brows and lips, so the glasses don't take over your entire face.   I myself have worn glasses since I was three, so I know a thing or two about how to do this:)

All you need is to follow your typical complexion makeup routine (tinted moisturizer and some concealer in my case) and follow these steps:

1.  Fill those brows!  If you don't know how, check out my "How to" video on this blog:)  This step is the most important, since the brows frame your eyes and glasses.  Plus, it makes you look more put together.

2.  Swipe on some shimmery taupe eyeshadow on your entire eyelid, all the way up to your crease and blend.  No need for multiple eyeshadow shades for this look!  I used one (Verve) from my trusty Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette.  

3.  Draw on a very thin line of black (or gray, if you prefer) eyeliner on your upper eyelids.  I used liquid to get a super skinny line, but any liner will work just fine.  

4.  Apply two coats of your favorite mascara on top and bottom lashes.  If you have any clumps, make sure to comb them out!  I used one of my favorites, L'Oreal Voluminous False Fiber Lashes.

5.  Apply a pretty lip color, preferably a medium peach or coral, which looks great on most skin tones.  I used Nars Satin Lip Pencil in Lodhi. 

6.  Apply a swirl off peach-pink blush onto your cheeks.

And there you have it!  Simple and pretty in no time at all:)