November Favorites

Yay! Favorites again! And I'm pretty close to being on time! November was pretty busy, and I expect December to be even bussier so I've been keeping my makeup looks pretty simple.


1. Very Wang Princess perfume: I LOVE this perfume! It's my favorite. This is pretty much the only one I've been wearing the past month. I love that it's in a roller ball because it's easy to apply and carry around in my purse.


2. Benefit Benetint: This stain is awesome! I don't care for it on my cheeks, but I love this on my lips. Most stains I've tried have been really drying but this one isn't at all. Lately I've been using just this on my lips, or adding a bit of lipgloss over it for more punch. This is also a great base to get red lipstick to last all night.


3. And speaking of red lips... I've been loving MAC Viva Glam Cyndi lipstick and MAC Cremesheed Glass in Double Dare. Red lips are so pretty this time of year! I layer on both when I'm going out at night, but stick to just one during the day. Surprisinly, the lipgloss is actually more intense in color than the lipstick, so during the day I like to use the lipstick to stain my lips then add the lipgloss at night to make the look more intense.


4. Make Up For Ever HD Primer: Yay! This is back in my makeup drawer! It's been way too long. I was trying to save money back in Aug/Sept so I didn't repurchase this when I ran out and instead tried L'oreal's primer (the one that comes in a pot) but I don't really like it so I broke down last week and ordered my staple primer and it showed up on Monday! I felt a huge difference wearing it yesterday. It makes my makeup last longer and go on smoother. It diminishes the appearance of my pores and feels really light on my skin. I'm very happy to have this with me again.


5. MAC eyeshadows from top left: Naked Lunch, Honest, Mulch, and Carbon. Most of my eye looks this past month have been used with just these four colors.

a. Honesty on inner 1/2 of lid, Mulch on outter 1/2 of lid and bit into crease, Naked Lunch as highlighter on brow bone and inner corner of eyes, and Carbon as eyeliner.

b. Mulch all over lid, Honesty in crease, Naked Lunch and Carbon in same place.

c. when I'm in a hurry--> just Naked Lunch as highlighter and carbon as eyeliner

d. also when I'm in a hurry--> Honesty on entire lid and crease and maybe Carbon as eyeliner.

What are some of your favorites for November?

Cheers!

Longwear Foundation

Last month I put Revlon Colorstay (oily/combo) as one of my favorites for the month. I still think it's a good foundation, but for some reason November became foundation month for me and I've tried out 4! different liquid foundations this month. This blog though is going to be comparing Almay TLC and MAC Pro Longwear foundations to Colorstay because they are all labeled as longwear foundations.

Oh, real quick about my skin type: fair, redness in cheeks, acne prone, and combo-oily to oily.

Revlon Colorstay (oily/combo): I talked about this a bit in my last Favorites blog, so I'll just run by this real quick. Revlon claims this foundation "Looks and feels fresh all day," "Oil free--shine control," "Natural, flawless look," and "transfer-resistant." Well, I think I've said this before, but nothing looks and feels fresh all day on my face unless I touch up at least 2x, but I've gotten used to that, so that didn't bother me. It definitely stays though and doesn't transfer, however, the nice coverage I get in the morning, doesn't last until evening. It handles oil pretty well. Some liquid foundations look awful anywhere oil is coming in on your face but this doesn't. I can sit for 4 hours (max) and not worry about looking like an oil slick (after that though, I have to touch up). This tends to get cakey around any dry spots I have which is usually my chin and eyebrows. Feels light(ish) when applied and blends easily.

Almay TLC: This is definitely longwear, but shows makes dry spots stand out more than Colorstay. It's thicker than Colorstay, but still blends easily. This claims that it looks "freshly applied all day" (not so much. after 5 hours it was looking pretty bad) and "won't rub off" (this is true, unless I was trying to rub it off my face). It's oil free, but I looked oily on my cheeks after a couple hours. I put this on one side of my face and Colorstay on the other, and they looked pretty much the same. The only difference was that Colorstay wasn't as drying and lasted longer.

MAC Pro Longwear: I had such high hopes for this. I thought this foundation was the one. It's much runnier than the other two and blends a lot easier. It felt very light, had a great number of color choices, and provided a good amount of coverage (much more than Colorstay or TLC) without feeling heavy. BUT...it dried out my skin bad enough that after four days of wearing it by skin was really dry and flaky (yet somehow still oily) and required over a week to get back to normal :(. I couldn't believe how drying this was, especially since my skin is so oily. Maybe this would be good for people with super super oily skin, but if you have anything near combo to dry, stay away.

So Colorstay is still my foundation of choice at the moment. There are still a couple of other ones I want to try, but if none of them work, I'm giving up for a while on going on a foundation break.

Has anyone else tried any of these foundations? What did you think about them?

Happiness is....a haircut!

I've struggled with wanting long hair my whole life, even though I know short hair is more my style. Not only does it look better, but it suits my personality. I got my hair cut really short in January, and then I started letting it grow out. And I hated it, but I kept thinking, as soon as it's long, it'll be worth it. Um, no. No way. When my hair gets even to shoulder length, it just hangs, unless I'm willing to spend at least 10 min blow drying it every day, plus the time it takes to style it. I finally called it quites two weeks ago, and I couldn't be happier. I went into the salon and got it cut into a bob/pixie style. It looks and feels so much lighter, and it's not a struggle to get it to have some volume, because the top layers are short enough they create their own volume! It honestly takes me 3 min to blow dry my hair. That's it! And when I'm done, all I have to do is run a brush through it a couple times, and I'm out the door. I think it's silly that I convince myself if I grow my hair out, I'll suddenly have thick full hair because long or short, my hair is always going to be fine. I don't know why, but short hair makes me feel more flirty and adventurous...anyway, I'm really happy to be back to short hair! :)

If you have one, what's your signature hair style and why?

What I Found

I wrote this over a year ago for a women writers class, and while it's posted on my other blog, I think it fits for this blog as well....

Around 2001 my mother tells me I’m a woman now. No more white socks with lace and Mary Janes—now I’m expected to wear nylons and high heels to church. As I get ready Sunday morning and look into the mirror hanging on the back of my bedroom door, I frown. Why do I feel like I’m missing something?

Around 2002 I start high school. The girls in all my classes paint their nails, wear makeup, and fashionable clothes. I buy my first copy of Seventeen Magazine and all the models in there are beautiful. When I point this out to Mom she scoffs and says they aren’t real. “Of course they’re real, I’m looking right at them.” It doesn’t matter, I’m still not allowed to wear makeup. This frustrates me. “Every other girl at school is allowed to wear makeup.” She agrees to let me paint my nails but that’s it. I also decide to start growing out my hair to look like the models in my magazine.

Around 2003 I finally wear makeup for the first time. Eyeliner and mascara. My friend helps me do it right before I take my school picture and Mom nearly has a heart attack two months later when the pictures come in the mail. After that I wear eyeliner and mascara religiously—sometimes I even reapply these items multiple times a day. In the bathroom at school I look at my reflection and once again I can’t help but feel like I’m missing something.Around 2004 short hair is hot again. Women who are cutting their hair are making a power statement so I chop mine off, the hair that took me nearly two years to grow out, and dye it blond. This marks the first, but definitely not the last time, I color my hair. The hair stylist exclaims and gushes over how nice I look with this cut and color, yet I frown when I look into the mirror in the salon. Why do I feel like something is missing?

Around 2005 fashion and makeup magazines have become my new bible. Pages of Vogue, Cosmopolitan, and Seventeen clutter my bedroom floor and walls as I try to sort through the images I should look like.

Around 2006 I finally graduate high school. So far my hair has worn blond, brown and red masks, as well as green, pink, and orange. I’ve finally gotten the hang of eye shadow, and luckily, I’ve learned how to tune down the amount of eyeliner I wear. Blush was hard to figure out. Pink, coral, peach? Bright or soft? Matte or shimmer? And if blush wasn’t hard enough to learn how to apply, according to the industry, I need foundation and concealer too! I won’t bore you with the details of how many I had to try to find my “perfect” match.

Around 2007 my bibles are kept centered on the nightstand in my bedroom. I’ve gotten to the point where I won’t leave my house, even to go to the grocery store, without applying makeup first. I’m too embarrassed to talk to anyone without checking my makeup, but everyone else does it so it’s not that big of deal is it?

Around 2008 I no longer enjoy my mornings because my beauty routine has been come my main focus. I wash and condition my hair, shave my legs, wash my face, and apply ample amounts of lotion to every body part. My nails are always kept trimmed and painted, and before I walk out of the house I have to put on a mask of foundation, concealer, blush, eyeshadow, eyeliner, mascara, lipstick, and lip gloss. I check myself out in the mirror by the front door one last time before stepping outside and it upsets me that I still can’t figure out what I’m missing.

Around 2009 I showered and dressed this morning, but I didn’t touch any makeup. My nail polish is left alone in a dresser draw and that forty dollar moisturizer is lying at the bottom of my trashcan. I look in the mirror and tell myself out loud, “I think I’ve found what I was looking for.”

I stumbled upon this a few days ago, going through my old work and realized that as much as I love makeup and beauty products (and believe me I love them!) it's nice to be reminded of what's truly important.

I hope you all remember to take care of your inner beauty as much as you do your outer beauty! Cheers!

October Favorites (and Sept)

I know I didn't post a September Favorites Blog last month, but I had the picture ready, my camera and computer just weren't getting along. So the picture above was technically intended for September, but I used these products all of October too, so this is a double favorites blog.

1. OPI Just a Little Rosti at This: Beautiful dark fall red color! Fall colors are my favorite in makeup and nail polish, so I'm excited to be rocking darker colors again! By the way, both these nail colors are a cream finish.

2. OPI Ski Teal We Drop: Dark teal color. I especially love wearing this on my finger nails because the color is different and eye catching.

3. Salley Hansen Diamond Shine Base and Top Coat: I've been looking for a new base and top coat because the one I usually use from Salley Hansen gets very thick and goopy fast. I never finish an entire bottle of it. This one however, is thin and dries very quickly, but I don't think it makes my nail polish last as long. I still like it though more than the other one. I really like putting it on my bare nails when I don't have time for a full mani or pedi--it makes my nails look very clean and shiny, but in a realistic way.

4. Benefit Dandelion: How could I have lived this long without ever trying this product? I thought it would be too pink for my skin, but it's a very subtle pink color that comes out more of a glow on my face. I've been using it as a highlighter rather than a blush because it is rather shimmery, and I don't like a lot of shimmer on the apples of my cheeks, but it's pretty on top of my cheek bones, bridge of my nose, and blended into my temples. Sometimes I use it under my brow, but never in the corner of my eye because it is too pink when used there. One thing I don't like about it--the powder is really soft. It gets dints in it easily and when I sweep my brush over it, even very lightly, I get way to much product. Does anyone else have this problem? My Benefit Hoola doesn't do this. I dunno, weird.

5. MAC lipglass in Best of Breed: I already did a post on this gloss and I'm still loving it. It's a muted blue toned gloss with shimmer in it. It's fun to wear. I find that I wear it mostly when I leave the rest of my face bare. Note: do not wear this if your lips are dry or flaky...not pretty.

6. Revlon Colorstay for combo/oily skin in Ivory 110: I'm not exactly sure what I want to say about this foundation, mainly because I just started using a new foundation that I absolutely love, but I want to give that time before I post about it. I do like Colorstay though. I got it in August and have been using it up until 3 days ago. I know I tend to be anti liquid foundation, mainly because of my oily skin; I've tried a number of liquid foundations that claim they have a matte finish, and are long lasting, and help prevent your skin from looking like an oil slick halfway through the day, but none of them have ever really delivered. So I just decided to give up on liquid and stick with powder.

I tried Colorstay after seeing a couple reviews on it on YouTube, and it was on sale for $8 at the drugstore, so I figured, why not? I was really impressed with it. It evens out my skin tone without being heavy. I actually gave up undereye concealer when I started using this, because it completely covered my dark circles. Actually, the only time I use concealer now is when I have a zit. This is pink toned and I tend to lean towards yellow toned foundations because my skin has red undertones, but the color looks pretty natural on my face. (I actually didn't realize how pink it was until I got my new foundation which has a yellow base.) I think I would give this foundation a 7 out of 10. yes, it covered well, and for the first few hours my skin looked great (especially if it's cool, if it's hot, all bets are off), but then oil would be an issue and you could see the foundation on my face, especially on my cheeks near my nose. Also, if you have any dry spots on your face, this foundation makes them stick out. But I do like it more than most liquid foundations I've use, and it lasts for a good part of the day. I plan on switching between this and my new one this month and then I'll get back to you.

What products have you been loving this fall so far?

My Perfect Red

MAC Cremesheen Glass in Double Dare

MAC Viva Glam Lipstick in Cindi

I've never gotten into the red lip look. Yes, I'm 22 and until yesterday, I have never owned a red lipstick. People claim that everyone has their perfect red lip color, but I've tried the red lip look and it never looked good on me. So I've avoided red lipstick and glosses, that is, until yesterday when I was left unattended at Macy's.

A while ago, I put a post up about purple lips. I'm still searching for a wearable purple lip, but that post got me started on a make-my-lips-pop kick, while keeping my eye makeup simple. So, while I have yet to find a purple lipstick, I've been looking for bolder (and darker, it is fall after all) lip colors. Nothing had caught my attention though, and I had actually decided to just give up, until, like I said, I was at Macy's yesterday.

I love looking at MAC makeup. Just the colors alone are captivating. I was checking out some of the new collections and then wondered over to the lipsticks, and the Cindi Viva Glam lipstick caught my eye. I've seen this lipstick many times before, but this time it jumped out at me. I put it on, and wow!--it looked great! I was shocked. A red lip that looks good on me? No way. But there it was, staring back at me in the mirror--my red lip color. I had found it without even meaning to!

I admit, I still wasn't sure about it. The color looked great, the finish was nice, but when I wear lipstick I have to put a gloss or balm over it. I won't wear lipstick on it's own. So I said, "okay, but I'm not getting this unless I find a gloss to go with it." This had to have been fate because as soon as I walked over to where the lipglosses were, there was a dark-bright red one. And in a cremesheen finish, which is my favorite. I put it over the lipstick and fell in love. I was so excited; I couldn't believe I found I was actually pulling off red lips!

As an end to my spiel, I would like to say, if there is a makeup look you love and want to wear, but feel you can't, don't give up. Eventually you're gonna bump into the product you're looking for :)

What are your favorite red lip products?

Cheers!

Dark Eyeshadow

First of all, I apologize for the lack of posts this month. I still haven't put up my September Favorites, even though the picture is sitting in my camera itching to be downloaded. Busy, busy month. Had a family member's wedding to deal with...

My camera isn't cooperating with me right now, so sorry, there aren't any pictures to go with this blog, but we don't need pictures.

I love fall and winter because I love wearing dark eyeshadow, and it never feels quite the same wearing dark shadow any other time of the year. I think what I've been doing has been referred to as the reverse smokey eye (??maybe??), but here are my tips to pulling off dark eye shadows during the day:

1. Keep the darkest color on the lid only--don't pull it into the crease. I love browns so I start this look by putting a dark chocolate brown on my lid.

2. Add a medium brown (or a medium of whatever color spectrum you're doing) to the crease--this gives depth to the eye, but it's still work appropriate.

3. Blend both colors up a bit by using a very light brown (preferably one with some shimmer to draw attention to the higher part of you peepers)--this avoids making the eyes look heavy.

4. Highlighter! You need this when you're pulling off dark shadows. Add highlighter to the inner corners of your eyes and under your brows.

5. Want eyeliner? Keep the line thin, a bit smudged, and on your upper lasline only.

What kind of makeup do you love to pull off during Fall?

Grown Up Blue Lipgloss?

(I couldn't get a good pic of this on my camera so this picture taken from google images)

MAC tinted lipglass Best of Breed.

When I was in 6th grade I got a little makeup set for Christmas. You know the kind they sell at Claire now? Little girl makeup. In it was this dark blue lipgloss that honestly stained your lips BLUE--dark blue. No joke. And I rocked it. I thought I looked so cool wearing it. Well my days of blue lips are long behind me, or so I thought, until I walked into MAC about 2 weeks ago to check out their new feline line, and this lipgloss got my attention. At first I was just trying it on for fun, I mean, come one, I wouldn't be caught dead walking down the street with blue lips unless it was Halloween. However, when I put it one I was impressed. It looks very blue in the tube but it does not come out that way on your natural lip. If you are looking up close you can see just a hint of blue, but your eyelashes have to practically be touching my lips. This color looks great on its own and with blue based pink lipsticks. I did try it today over MAC's creme d'nude lipstick, and with a nude base, this definitely looks more blue, but in a wearable way. It's been about 3 hours since I applied it and it's still there, so thumbs up to grown up blue gloss!

What wild colors have you tried on your lips?

Leaving the House With No Makeup--Oh My!

Okay, so I'm organized about my mornings. My family prefers the to say "OCD," but either way, the night before I like to lay out my clothes (perfectly understandable right?) and in the morning before I hop in the shower, I usually get out the makeup I'm going to wear for the day. To me this makes since because as soon as I'm ready to put my makeup on, it's already ready for me (no digging through draws). Anyway, sorry to ramble, today was no different. Makeup is out, and I just finished drying my hair when my friend comes by to drop something off for me. 10 minutes later...20 minutes later...finally 30 minutes later I'm having to tell her I have to leave in a few to get to work! I run back into my room, throw on clothes and realize there is no way makeup is happening today. But I have enough time for primer and a bit of powder. That's it. Okay, I admit I did put lip gloss on in the car. Still, here I am with only three items on my face. And I have to confess that I don't mind.

Would I have rather worn more makeup? Totally. If I had had the time would I have put on some blush and liner and mascara? In a heart beat. I like makeup and given the chance, I prefer to wear it, however, sometimes I worry that makeup becomes a necessity to us (me included), rather than an accessory. It's sad, but I hear girls and women all the time saying they won't leave the house without makeup. I say we remember that we wear makeup for ourselves, not for others. If we're putting on makeup to change the way others see us, we're wearing it wrong. Let's give ourselves a break and leave the house every once in a while wearing little or no makeup! The only ones who can stop us are ourselves.

:)

It Started with a Purple Lipstick

About 2 hours ago I'm sitting at a restaurant with my friend and I can't stop staring at her lips. She's wearing this vampy purple-reddish lipstick (from YSL but I don't know the name) and it looks amazing on her! "Why can't I wear lipstick like that?" a voice in my brain asks, but then another one chimes in saying, "Can't? Why won't you wear lipstick like that?" So when we get back into my friend's car, and she goes to reapply her lipstick, I ask her if I can put it on... My first initial thought is "yup, knew I couldn't pull off a color like this," so I rub my ring finger over my lips and apply some lip balm to fade the color out and sit back in my seat, disappointed. However, once I'm home, I walk into my room, dump my purse on the bed, and glance into the mirror hanging on my wall--wow! My lips look pretty good. I really like the way my face looks with a dark lip. All it took was "fixing" the color a bit.

Well this purple lip encouraged me to have some fun. So I ran over to my makeup drawer and started getting busy. I had eyeliner on, but added more to wing it out (something I never do because I always thought I couldn't pull it off), made my brows darker and bolder than I normally dare to wear, and took the plunge and put on more than just a "dusting" of that purple-pink blush in the back of my drawer. Now, I admit, my first reaction when I looked at myself in the mirror was "Who is this?" but I actually like the way my makeup came out I probably wouldn't go to the grocery store looking like this, but I'd wear this out to dinner with friends. Most importantly though, that purple lipstick reminded me that sometimes makeup is just about having fun. I think I spend so much time trying to perfect that daytime look and the no makeup, makeup look, that I forget how much fun colors and experimenting are. And because I did step out of my comfort zone, I've realized that I look a lot better in dark colors than bright colors (something I've been having trouble with all summer because I'm just not a fan of the way brights look on me) which is great news since fall and winter are right around the corner :)

So I am challenging everyone this weekend to grab colors you normally avoid, try a different way of applying _____ (blank), or just grab five random (colored) products and put them on, don't' think about it, and see what happens. Good luck experimenting. Let me know how it turns out for you!

Cheers!

August Favorites

Wow...I can't believe summer is pretty much over. Well this month was absolutely gross...110 degrees plus humidity....YUCK! So, like last month, I didn't wear much makeup, but I still have some favs for the month, so here they are...

1. L'Oreal EverStrong Overnight Repair Treatment: I think I've mentioned before that I've given up on conditioner, but since I've been trying to grow out my hair I decided I had to do something. So while I was doing some research this product caught my eye and I thought it would be better than conditioner because you put it on at night and wash your hair the next morning. Long story short, I really like this. My hair does feel thicker and smoother, but not flat or greasy. I just work 1 pump into my hair before bed, starting at my ends and working towards my roots. It absorbs really quickly, not instantly, but within 2 minutes I can lay my head on my pillow without worrying about any residue. A definite must!

2. MAC Love to Love mineralize eyeshadow (from In the Groove Collection): This is a great eyeshadow trio. I use the middle color on my lids, the dark one in the crease, and the lightest as a highlight. These colors are so easy to blend, I can my entire eye with just a fluffy brush like the MAC 224, which makes for a fast application. I've been doing this look a lot this month because it is so easy to do and doesn't take much time.

3. MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Light: This month, if I've put anything on my face it's been this. Just primer, maybe some concealer, and this powder--that's it. This is the best face powder I've ever used. I love it! I hope MAC always carries this.

4. Nude Lipgloss: With the humidity, I've just been slicking on nude lipgloss before going out. My favorite two are MAC Cremesheen Glass in Boy Bait and CoverGirl Wetslicks Amazemint in No Care Bare.

5. MAC Painterly Paint Pot: This is something I've been using almost everyday for months and it's still a favorite :). It covers discoloration on my eyelids, and is a great base for eyeshadows--it makes them last longer and makes the colors more vibrant.

What were some of your favorites this month?

Cheers!

Fast and Easy Tip 4: White Eyeliner

I feel silly posting about this, but I had no idea how much of an impact it made to put white eyeliner on my waterline(s) until recently. It really brightens up your eyes and makes them look wider. I don't think white is too much, but if white isn't for you get a flesh-toned or peach toned eyeliner to use.

White eyeliner is also good to use as a highligher or base for your highlighter on your brow bone and the inner corner of your eyes.

[pictured is MAC eye khol in Fascinating]

Cheers!

How To: Bronzers

I know this blog is long overdue, but as a bronzer newbie, I wanted to give myself enough time until I felt comfortable with bronzers. First of all, I can't believe I went so many years thinking bronzer was a scary thing, because it's not! Oh, quick note on the pics, the first picture shows the truer colors of the bronzers (Benefit Hoola and MAC Golden) rather than the second picture which makes them look orange--they really aren't orange, it was just my flash. Okay, anyway, here are some tips I have about bronzer....

1. Wearing it as a blush, with the most color on high cheeks and temple. This is probably my favorite way to wear bronzer, and I apply it with either a fluffy brush or a blush brush.

2. Doing the E 3 with a twist: lightly dust bronzer on the forehead close to the hair line, the temple, the cheeks where you apply blush, and then down on the neck a bit. This is best with a matte bronzer. With a shimmery one it's too much shimmer.

3. Applied too much? Take a large kabuki brush and blend out the bronzer.

Thanks guys!

Cheers!

25 Questions Tag

Hey Everyone! I found this tag on smootchkiss.blogspot.com (I enjoy reading this one btw) and it looked like fun so I thought "why not?" Here goes nothing...

1. What do you apply your foundation with. Brush, sponge, or fingers?
Since I wear powder foundation, I use a brush.

2. Do you apply your eyeshadow from light to dark or dark to light?
Light to dark usually.

3. Do you prime your eyes?
Yes. MAC paint pots usually.

4. Conceal first, or after foundation?
My concealer is a cream and foundation is a power so I conceal first.

5. Go for manicures, or do them yourself?
Do them myself usually, but every once in a while I splurge for a mani :)

6. Exfoliate lips, face, or both?
Both.

7. On average, how long does it take you to do your makeup?
About 10 to 15 mins for everyday, but if I'm doing something special with my eye makeup it takes longer.

8. Do you wear makeup everyday and everywhere?
No. I like wearing makeup, but I'm fine with leaving the house without it.

9. What release are you most excited about?
Probably the Disney villain collection from MAC (comes out this fall) but that's mostly because it's Disney

10. What are your weaknesses? Shoes, purses, clothes, eyeshadow or lipstick?
I don't know....I guess clothes

11. Do you whiten your teeth?
I just did in June for the first time for graduation

12. Wax eyebrows or pluck?
Pluck.

13. What do you use to contour?
I don't contour...I haven't figured it out yet lol

14. False eyelashes or natural?
Natural with mascara

15. Favorite makeup brand?
I don't know if I can pick just one, but tops are (in no particular order) Smashbox, MAC, Urban Decay, MUFE, Benefit

16. Lipstick, Lipgloss, Chapstick?
Lipgloss

17. Liquid eyeliner, pencil, or gel?
Pencil (easiest to use and most forgiving)

18. Pressed, pigments, or cream?
Pressed

19. Favorite color?
Personally? Blue. As far as makeup goes? Neutrals.

20. If you had to wear one thing excluding foundation, what would it be?
Navy eyeliner

21. Natural or dramatic (eyewear)?
Natural

22. Favorite color combo?
Neutrals usually, although black and white is a hot look for going out

23. Do you care more for the quality or the brand?
Quality. If it so happens you have to pay more for quality, fine, and if you can find quality for cheap? awesome!

24. Do you enjoy face masks? If so which ones?
Yes, my favorite is Freeman's peel mask.

25. Whats your current addiction? (lipstick, eyeshadow, earrings)
Out of those three? eyeshadow

I'm tagging everyone and anyone who reads this then let me know if you do this tag!

Cheers!

July Favorites

Wow, I can't believe July is over already. It feels like I just did my June Favs. I usually like bright and bold for the summer, but this month I've really been leaning towards clean, fresh, and nude.

Rainkissed Leaves scent. This is weird to admit, but I had forgotten how much I love Bath and Body Works. I went in there a couple of weeks ago and smelled this Rainkissed Leaves in the body mist--it was so light and fresh and actually does smell like rain. They were having a sale, so I got this in the lotion and body spray.

Clean, Shower Fresh: I found this roller ball perfume at Sephora. My friend had one and after using hers for almost a week I broke down and bought my own. I don't think it lasts as long as some other perfumes, but since it's so light, you can reapply it a few times during the day without it being over powering.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock: I don't love this, but it's the best one I've tried on my face. My face isn't as dry as I thought it would be after using this, but I just dab it with oil absorbing sheets before I put on my makeup, which brings me to...

Clean and Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets: These do the trick. I usually have to use a couple a day, but I like them. I still use blotting powder after I do this though to keep oil away longer.

OPI Sand in My Suit: beautiful nude color! I think it's a perfect nude and it has some shimmer which keeps it from being too flat.

MUFE Aqua Cream eyeshadow in shade 13: This reminds me of MAC pain pot Bare Study, but with gold rather than silver undertones. I've been wearing this a lot lately as my only eye color rather than messing with powders.

MAC tinted lip conditioner in Petting Pink. This adds a very pretty flush to my lips and it has spf 15 in it! Another lip product I've been loving this month is....

Dior Lipglow Color Reviver Balm: Wow! This is probably my favorite product for the whole month. It's like a mixture of lipstick, lipgloss, and lip balm. It gives my lips a pretty dark pink color with some shine, but really just feels like I'm putting on lip balm.

What have you been loving this month?

Cheers!

Sephora Haul from June

Sorry this has taken so long to put up. This haul was about a month ago... However, while I was on vacation in June I went to Sephora, which was nice because I don't live by one, so I usually end up ordering online, and it's nice to be able to walk through the store and see all the products in real life :) Here is what I got (all the Make Up For Ever products were in a set for $60 which is still available [I checked a couple of days ago])

MUFE Aqua Cream eyeshadows: The shades only have numbers; the light color is #13 and the darker one is #15. I like these, probably because they remind me of MAC's paint pots. I like the lighter one better because it's just a hint of color on my lids, but the darker one is really pretty and I like to use it as a base for some of my brown powder eyeshadows. Definitely worth looking into.

MUFE Aqua Eyes eyeliner in 0L (black) and 21L (dark gray). These are probably my favorite eyeliners right now. It's easy to get a really thin line on my lashline, and they don't smudge and stay on all day, but are easy to get off with makeup remover.

MUFE Aqua Lip in 1C. I wasn't sure about this color, it's not what I usually go for. It's a bit of a muted pale coral (I can't figure out any other way to explain it). But it's pretty and looks good under MAC lipstick in Hue or Creme d'Nude. This can be a bit drying though so I would definitely wear something over it.

MUFE Aqua Smoky Lash. I do not like this mascara. I'm keeping it around because it is my only waterproof mascara and I'm hoping that maybe after I've had it for a while it will get better....?... This is clumpy though and if I'm not careful makes me look like I have only a couple of lashes because they all stick together. It is very black though and does make my lashes look long.

MUFE sample of makeup remover for eyes. This works pretty good. I'm happy with my neutrogena makeup wipes, but I use this to get rid of stubborn mascara.

Urban Decay De-Slick powder: This is a mattifying powder and works great! I love it! The color of the powder is a very, very light purple, almost white in some lights, but it's translucent on my skin. However, my friend, who has darker skin then me, doesn't like this because it makes her look a bit ashy.

Benefit Erase Paste in No.1 fair: Great concealer! I believe I talked about it in my June Favs.

Benefit Get Even: Technically a blotting powder, but it evens out redness and I use it as a foundation some mornings.

This is photographed, but when I first went I purchased MUFE Matte Velvet foundation instead of Get Even, but this foundation didn't work for me at all. (I have a full review of this on makeupalley under the name ppinkrroses)

Hope everyone is staying cool in this summer!

Cheers!

How: Being Adaptable

For some reason this week the word "adaptable" has been creeping into my head. I think in terms of skin and hair care, being adaptable is a must. There are days you are going to wake up with a huge zit on your face, greasy flat hair, or a head full of frizz, and you're going to have to deal with these problems when they arise. Now, you can simply panic and call in sick, or you can make a game plan now, and stick with it when "disaster" strikes.

Acne--it happens to all of us, sometimes for decades. I keep a strong acne medication in my medicine cabinet and at the first sight of one of those little buggers I start applying it 2x a day. Also avoid wearing too much makeup in that area and keep it oil free (such as dabbing it throughout the day with an oil absorbing sheet). If the pimple is big or prominent, know how to use concealer to cover it up and play up an area of your face away from the pimple. For example if you have a zit on the lower part of your face, make you eyes stand out and stick with neutral lips and cheeks.

Dry Skin or patch of skin--lately my chin has been really dry (weird) so I've been putting on my moisturizer as usual, and then adding a bit more to that area. I've also avoided dusting powder on my chin since it makes the dryness stand out. And at night I put on rose salve on my chin which has helped.

Hair--so many things can happen to hair. For me, I deal with greasy, flat, and limp hair. So I keep dry shampoo on my shelf and reach for that first because it absorbs excess oil. Then I use hair spray with alcohol in it (also good for the oil) and a quick blast of hot then cold air with the blow dryer. On your worst hair days? Wear a pony tail ;)

I think that if you know what to do ahead of time, you're less likely to freak out or get upset about beauty mishaps.

What are some of your game plans for a morning gone awry?

Thanks!

Favorite Drugstore Finds Part 3

I buy most of my skincare products from the drugstore. I have tried a lot of different products and I'm constantly trying new face washes and scrubs, so I decided for this post I would only include products I have repurchased multiple times.

1. Freeman Facial Peel-Off Mask. The only place I've been able to find this is at Ulta, but it's worth the trip. I use this mask once a week. I like it because it really gives me a clearer complexion, and it helps with acne scars. It takes a while, but I used to have a lot of acne scaring and slowly they've been disappearing.

2. St. Ives Softening Whipped Silk. This is my all time favorite lotion. The only time I reach for something else is when my skin is dry and needs more moisture. It is a very soft and light texture that goes on easy and absorbs right away and it does a pretty good job at moisturizing.

3. St. Ives Apricot Scrub. I actually use this as a body scrub. I figure if it's gentle enough to use on my face than it can be used on my body. I also like that it has acne medication in it so it helps with body acne.

4. Biore Dual Fusion Moisturizer with SPF 30. So far this is my favorite day time moisturizer. It works fine for my oily skin and I love that it has SPF 30 in it because most lotions have 15 or less.

5. Neutrogena Acne Stress Control Toner. Actually, I'm not convinced this is a favorite product, but I've repurchased it a couple of times and when I use it 2x a day it helps with my acne, so I'll keep using it for now.

6. Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes in Night Calming. These do a great job at getting off all my makeup. They also are pretty good at cleansing my face on those nights I'm too tired to anything except take my makeup off.

What are some of your favorite skincare products from the drugstore?

How: Matte Lipstick

MAC Lipstick in Please Me (matte finish)

This color is pretty close to what it looks like in real life. It's a bright cool tone pink.

A couple months ago I decided I wanted to find the perfect pink lipstick; one that I could pull off and could easily put on straight from the tube and go. So of course I went to the MAC store by my house because MAC has a crazy selection of lipstick colors. Unfortunately, the sales woman "helping" me really wasn't much help. I was really disappointed because the people at MAC are usually so nice, but not this time. Long story short, the lipstick she insisted I get was Please Me and I just wanted to get out of there so I bought it without realizing it was a matte finish. I got home and hated it. It's too bright for me (I have to be careful with pinks because of the pink and redness in my face) and I hate the finish. Part of me still thinks I should have just returned it, but I didn't and it sat in my draw for a couple months without me ever reaching for it.

When I went on this past vacation, I decided I was going to make this color work one way or another, so the only lipstick I took with me was this one. This forced me to figure out ways to work with it and I've come up with a couple ideas that I hope help you with dealing with any lipsticks you don't like--whether it's the texture or color.

1. Use the lipstick as a stain. First I put chapstick on my lips to help the color go on easier, then blotted. Then I dabbed the lipstick onto my lips (I dabbed it from the tube, but you can also use your finger) and then finished off my either putting a bit more chapstick or lipgloss on (this helps it from drying).

2. Tinted lip balm effect. Again, I started with putting on chapstick, but only a little bit because I didn't blot this time. Then I apply the lipstick right away straight from the tube onto my lips. Then I use my finger to blend the color on my lips.

What are some ways you deal with a lipstick that doesn't work for you?

Thanks! :)

Fast and Easy Tip 3: The Monochromatic Look

This is great for days when you're in a hurry, or if you want a fresh, no makeup, makeup look. After applying your foundation, choose a blush or bronzer (any color works. I like MAC Bronzer in Golden and MAC Beauty Powder in Summer Rose) that has a bit of shimmer in it, because you don't want this look too matte. Then apply the color from the apple of your cheeks up to your temple (yes, even bronzer) and onto your eye lids. If you're using a bronzer, you may want to add a bit of color along your hair line and on the bridge of your nose, but don't over do the color, you want to see two colors on your face: your skin color (foundation) and the colored product.

Doing this look will give you a wash of color all over with the use of one product! Usually when I do this I'll also put on a thin line of liner on my upper lash line and mascara on my upper lashes, and then pair my lips with a similar color. If I'm doing pink, then I chose a pinkish lipgloss and if I chose to do bronzer I like to do a nude lip or a bronze-ish colored lipgloss.

Thanks!

June Favorites

I'm back from vacation and spent the afternoon taking pictures for my blog, so look forward to me updating more often :)





I have quite a few favorite's this month, but it's summer and other than the heat, I love this season!

1. The monochromatic look: I plan on doing a separate blog on this, but my favorite products to use for this look is MAC bronzer in Golden and MAC Beauty Powder in Summer Rose.

2. Bright nail polish: I have a few, but the one's in the picture are OPI in Tasmanian Devil made me do it, and Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in Lightening (note on this one, it's a great bright yellow, but chips easily).

3. Clinique solid perfume in Hint of Citrus (very summery)

4. MAC paint pot in Coral Crepe: pretty color for summer and easy to sweep on and go

5. CO Bigelow Mentha Lip Buffer: my lips have been chapped lately so this little guy is a life saver

6. Benefit Erase Paste: amazing concealer. I bought this while I was on vacation (yes, I plan on doing a haul blog) and I'm in love. It conceals and stays put all day without creasing.

"How" Series

My last blog got me thinking about how we apply makeup and skin and hair care products. I think a lot of the time we're so focused on what prodcuts we're buying, that we overlook how to use them. I'm not suggesting the "what" doesn't matter; it does. There are products out there that don't work for everyone and there are some that just aren't good quality. However, at times I think we're too quick to judge a product and say it isn't good before really giving it a chance, so I'm going to make a "how series" where I describe different ways of apply different products. Obviously, I haven't tried every way possible to apply products, but I'll go over what I've done and what works and what doesn't work. If you have any tips or tricks for appling makeup, etc, respond in the comments--I would love to know what you guys do!

Thanks!!

Fast and Easy Tip 2: Hot Water

I'm sure we've all seen those Biore nose stips that are suppose to take care of blackheads and gunk in our noses....well I've been using them for years and while they do remove dirt and oil deep in the pores of my nose, and I can see a difference when I haven't used on for a while, I've always had little blackheads on my nose. Nothing has been able to get rid of them--even the nose strips. That is, until I tried using hot water on my nose first and then the strip--all I can say is "wow." I can't believe in all these years I never thought to do this. It made a huge difference and blackheads are almost completly gone! If you're having the same problem I was, give this a shot. Just don't use water water so hot that you burn yourself.

Thanks!

Road Trip Makeup

Been traveling the past couple days, and while I don't need makeup on to sleep in the car, we did get out to eat a few times and I wanted a little something on--and I had to do something with my hair because my hair was very flat each night after a days worth of driving.

For makeup I didn't bother with concealer. I have a few pimples on my face right now that I would prefer to cover up, but it wasn't worth messing with concealer and then reapplying it. I did dust on some of my MAC MSFN in Light, then put on Painterly pp, black waterproof eyeliner on top, and waterproof mascara on top. I wouldn't recommend the mascara. Even though it was waterproof, it smudged after I fell asleep the first day, so the second day I didn't bother with it. And then on my lips I just used MAC tinted lip conditioner--the light pink one (I'm sorry, I can't remember what the color is called at the moment).

For my hair I pulled up my bangs, gathered them together and twisted them just a tad at the ends, then I laid them down on my head, and used two bobbypins to secure them in place. Allthatglitters21 on youtube can do this with just one bobbypin (she has a recent hair tutorial with, I believe, the word "bangs" in the title of it), but I haven't figured it out yet. But I like the little poof this creates in the middle of my hair because the sides of my hair were flat, so this balanced everything out.

I'm going to try to update my blog as often as I can, but I am on vacation, so not promising anything!

Cheers!

Project Eye Complete!

I'm happy to report I am done with my eyeshadow project is done! It was fun at times because it forced me to think outside the box and use colors in new ways, but at the same time it was annoying if I was in a hurry and just wanted to rely on one of my basic eye looks. I didn't wear eye makeup every day the past month, but I think I did good. It was nice seeing what eyeshadows I tended to reach for and which ones I used rarely or not at all.

I think this project would be worth trying, and not only with eyeshadows, lip and cheek products as well. If a month sounds like too long, try a week. If you have tons of lip products, make it a goal to wear a different one each day. Or take an eyeshadow quad and try to come up with as many differnt looks with it as you can in a week. I'm going to try to do this when I go on vacation for a couple weeks. I'm going to see how few products I can live with.

Alright. Just wanted to update. Tell me what you think are some ideas you can do with makeup.

Thanks!

June 12 and 13 Eye Looks

June 12:

1. MAC Painterly pp
2. MAC eyeshadow in Carbon on lid
3. MAC eyeshadow in Scene over Carbon and into crease
4. Revlon eyeshadow matte Peach Sorbet on brow bone and inner corner
5. Revlon black eyeliner pen on top lashine

The verdict: I thought it would be too dark when I first started, but it turned out good. I liked it. I don't think I would go to school with it on, but it was nice for going out with friends.

June 13:

1. MAC Painterly pp
2. The pink from MAC mineralize duo Pink Split on inner 1/2 of lid and crease
3. The purple from MAC mineralize duo Earthly Riches on outter 1/2 of lid and crease
4. Mix the two lightest colors from Smashbox eyeshadow quad in Bright Eyed and use as highlight
5. Dark brown shadow as eyeliner on top lashline

The verdict: Bright and fun. I liked this.

Friday May 11 Eyes

1. MAC Coral Crepe pp on lid
2. MAC Bare Study pp from lid to brows
3. Mix the two lightest colors in Smashbox eyeshadow quad Bright Eyed and place on lids and crease
4. Black eyeliner on upper waterline

I was a in a hurry this morning (surprise, surprise) and this was a really easy and fast look. It was a bit more bare than I'm used to, but it worked. Adding the eyeliner just on my waterline helped. I chose to put it on my waterline rahter than top lashline like I usually do because it's pretty much fool proof. It's easy to mess up a line on your lid, but placing eyeliner on your waterline is fast and easy, and not messy once you get the hang of it.

Thanks!

Today's Look

1. MAC Painterly pp
2. MAC eyeshadow Honesty on inner 1/2 of lid and crease
3. MAC eyeshadow Amberlights on outer 1/2 of lid and crease
4. MAC eyeshadow Mulch in crease and outter corner
5. MAC eyeshadow Grain to blend edges and bring under brow
6. Revlon black eyeliner pen with dark brown shadow to smudge it out

I'm not sure how much I like Honesty and Amberlights together...but it worked. I wasn't crazy about it though.

Thanks!

June 7 & 8 Looks

Monday June 7:

1. MAC Painterly pp
2. white shadow from Smashbox trio in Twilight in inner 1/4 lid to crease
3. pink side of MAC mineralize duo in Pink Split middle of lid to crease
4. pink from MAC mineralize quad in Girlish Romp on outer 1/4 lid to crease
5. purple from MAC mineralize quad in Girlish Romp in crease
6. Revlon eyeshadow in Peach Sorbet as highlight color
7. Black liner top lash line and top waterline

Okay, so a lot more color than I normally do! This was really pretty. I wish I had had the time to put them on with water because that makes the color more intense, but it was a day time look so it worked. I think from far away you couldn't really tell I was wearing any color on my lids, but up close it was a very soft iridescent look. I liked it a lot!

Tuesday June 8:

1. MAC Painterly pp
2. Benefit Hoola on lid and crease
3. MAC bronzing powder Golden over Hoola
4. pink from MAC mineralize quad Girlish Romp just on lid
5. white/yellowish color from Girlish Romp on brow bone
6. Brown eyeliner on top lash line

I like the way brown and pink play with each other.

Thanks!

Sephora and Ebay Haul

In Photo from top left going counter clockwise: Smashbox eyeshadow quad in Bright Eyed, Smashbox Brow Tech in Taupe/Soft Brown, Smashbox angle brow brush, and Benefit Hoola bronzer.

I've been wanting something for my brows for a while because they're awful, so I was browsing Sephora online and decided to get Smashbox Brow Tech and a brush since I didn't own an angled brush. Then, while looking at Smashbox I saw this eyeshadow quad for only $6, and while I'm technically not suppose to be buying eyeshadow, I had to get this--it was such a good deal! I have used it a few times, but I'm still using my other eyeshadows in different ways for my project. So that was Sephora and it came last week.

I've mentioned before that I recently bought my first bronzer (MAC in Golden) and I've been experimenting it and I really like it. While the shimmer is fine (it's not too much, it's a fine shimmer, but it is there) for my cheek bones, I don't like using it all over because I feel that's too much shimmer, so I've been thinking about getting a matte bronzer and I've heard good things about Benefit Hoola. Still, I've also read that matte bronzers can make your skin look dirty, so I really didn't want to pay full price for an item I had never tried....cue eBay! I got this for $12 off eBay when it's usually $28, so it was more than 1/2 off which is great, and shipping was free! Always a bonus. So now I own two bronzers...haha...it's silly but I feel so giddy about it.

So that's the haul. I may do a review of the products as I use them more, and I definitely plan on doing one on bronzers. I'm thinking July because by then I should have some kind of clue about what I'm doing ;)

Cheers!

Sunday June 6 Look

I used Smashbox Bright Eyed eye shadow quad for this look too. I'm really happy I bought it--it's great!

1. MAC Painterly pp
2. The peach color all over lid and crease
3. The dark color on the lower lid, blended up
4. The highlight color under brow and inner corner
5. Revlon Colorstay black eyeliner pen on upper lash line
6. MAC eyeshadow in Carbon over black liner to soften

UPDATE

Hey, I finally took the time today to take pictures and I just got some up! I still haven't managed to get good pictures of my eyes when I have makeup on but I'm going to try to put up pictures when I can. I'm sure it's annoying to read about makeup looks and not know how exactly they look, but I'm doing my best. I hope the pictures I have put up help!

Thanks!

(Is there anything you want to see? Let me know!)

Saturday June 5 Eye Look

Very simple--3 products only! I didn't even bother with mascara today because I just ran a few errands then spent the rest of the day cleaning and writing. It looks good though and has lasted me all day (I still have it on), so definitely something I will do in the future when I need an easy look.

1. MAC Coral Crepe pp on lid, blended slightly towards crease
2. MAC Bare Study pp above the coral color and up to brows
3. Revlon black eyeliner pen on upper lash line and winged out a bit

That's it!

Thanks!

Eye Looks Past Few Days

Oi, I'm falling behind...too much homework. Suddenly reality hit me and I have 3 big papers due in the next two weeks! But, two weeks and I'm walking...I can't believe I'm graduating college...finally! It's been a long four years haha. Anyway, here are the eye looks I did the past three days:

Tuesday June 1:
1. MAC Painterly pp
2. MAC eyeshadow in Mulch on lid
3. MAC eyeshadow in Sketch in crease
4. MAC eyeshadow in Grain to blend edges and use as highlight
5. Bright white shimmery eyeshadow in corner of eyes because this look is a bit dark
6. NYC waterproof brown eyeliner pencil

As I was doing this look I was worried it would be too dark, but I liked it. And I wore it for the day time, so it was daytime friendly. I think adding the shimmery white helped lighten the look though, and would recommend when you do darker looks, to keep the inner corner bright.

Wednesday June 2:

1. MAC Bare Study pp
2. MAC mineralize eyeshadow duo in Burning Ambition--the darker color on the outer corner, and the light color on the rest of the lid
3. Revlon black eyeliner pen

I was in a hurry yesterday to get ready so this was a very rushed look, and I wish I would have had more time. Note to self, don't use mineralize shadows when I'm in a hurry--a lot of fall out, but the colors are beautiful.

Thursday June 3:

1. MAC Painterly pp
2. Smashbox eyeshadow quad in Bright Eyed. OK, quick note, I wasn't going to purchase any eyeshadow until after my 30 day project, but I was looking at Sephora online and this was $6--seriously, so I had to get it. I'm so glad I did, I expected it to be the size of the trios, maybe a bit bigger, but this thing is the size of a MAC blush! It has a dark brown in it, a peach color, a highlight color, and a shimmery pinkish or light rose(?) color. So technically I did cheat, but I think my purchase is justified. They still have this eyeshadow quad online so I would recommend getting it, especially if you like neutral pallets.
3. Okay, the actual application of these colors: I used the peach on my lid, the highlight as a highlight, and the dark brown in outer crease and outer 1/3 of lid.
4. Smashbox brown cream liner (from one of their cream liner pallets) on top lash line.

This was a really pretty look. I look forward to doing it again....after my project of course :)

Thanks! Sorry I've been slacking. I have a couple other blogs I want to get up, but maybe I'll wait til this weekend. Have a good evening!

May 2010 Favorites

I can't believe it's the end of May already! And that it will be June tomorrow! Wow... Well I want to do monthly favorites and maybe sometimes not so favorites, so we'll see how it goes. I'm going to try to say within a 5 to 10 limit, and I really just want to focus on things that particularly stood out to me for that month. Here are my May favorites.....

1. Sun-less tanner. I'm using Jergens Natural Glow Firming in Fair to Medium. Summer is just around the corner and I like having a bit of a tan or glow during the summer. I use this lotion at night--just put it on and wait at least 5 min before putting on pjs and getting into bed so you don't end up staining your clothes or sheets.

2. Teeth Whitening Strips. I know, this is so random, but I got Crest 3D white strips because I'm graduating next month and I want a nice white smile for all those pictures I know are going to be taken. I didn't think these would do much but they actually work. My teeth aren't blinding white, but they are much whiter than before.

3. Bronzer (MAC Bronzing Powder in Golden). I have really been liking this product. I do plan on doing a blog on bronzer, but I want more time to experiment with this and maybe some other bronzer's first. However I have been using this a lot since I bought it and I love it. I'm not crazy about the shimmer, but that's only because I don't like any shimmer at all on my face. However this bronzer is not supper shimmery, it is nice, I'm just careful when I apply it.

4. MAC eyeshadow in Grain. This color is truly amazing. I use it almost every time I do my makeup. it's great for an all over the lid color, or for blending edges. I also will even use as a brow highlight, which I think you probably wouldn't go for usually because it doesn't look like a highlight color, but it works. Anyway--LOVE it!

5. Nude lips. I know they've been "in" for a while now, but I've just recently jumped on the band wagon. My favorite nude lipsticks are MAC Creme d' Nude which is more of a true nude and Hue which is a bit more pink. Both work great on their own or under a number of lip glosses.

6. MAC 224 brush. Can't believe I have never owned a brush like this. It's great for blending. I've had it for about a month and it has made a huge difference to how my eye makeup looks.

Obviously the list could go on, but I'll stop myself there.
What are you loving (or not loving) this month?
Thanks!

Sunday May 30 Eye Look

This eye look was okay. I would wear it again, but you need to keep the rest of your face neutral because it is a bright look. On the plus, it only uses a couple products.

1. MAC Coral Crepe Paint Pot just on lid (tiny bit into crease)
2. MAC Beauty Powder in Summer Rose over Coral Crepe and brought under brow bone
3. Revlon black eyeliner pen with a bit of Carbon over it to soften
4. Mascara of course--and that's it!

This wojuld be a good look when you're in a hurry. Especially because Coral Crepe already gives your lids color, you don't really need any other color if you don't want to.

Thanks!

Favorite Drugstore Finds Part 2

Hair care! Everythitg I use on my hair comes from the drugstore. That being said, there are brands at the drugstore that are more expensive and I've tried, but still---they are all drugstore products. These are just my top 7:

1. Conair brushes and combs--best quality of any brush or comb I've tried. And they last forever!

2. Bobby pins--I don't think it matters what brand, but bobby pins are a must.

3. Nexxus Dualiste Color Protection + Volume Shampoo--this is really cool stuff. I have fine, oily hair, but I color it. Usually volume shampoos aren't good to use on colored hair becasue they strip the hair (making it lightweight which therefore give you more volume) but shampoos for colored hair are usually so moisturizing they weigh down my hair. So basically, this shampoo is amazing, perfect, and definitly HG worthy! I don't use the conditioner with it becasue I don't use conditioner (but that's for another blog).

4. John Frieda Root Awakening Detangling Spray--I really like this stuff. My hair doesn't necessarily get tangled (it's short) but because I don't use a condtioner, I use this so my hair doesn't get dried out, but also doesn't get weighed down.

5. Got 2b Guardian Angel Heat Protect 'N Blow Out--this is a "blow dry lotion + gloss finish" spray. I've been using it for a couple months now and my hair feels healthier. I do blow dry my hair nearly every day, so using a protecting spray is very important. This is my first heat protecting spray I've ever used and I was a bit weary because of the word "lotion"--I thought it would make my hair greasy, but it doesn't. I use about 3-4 sprays all over and it keeps my hair safe and gives a bit of a shine--not really a gloss finish.

6. Tresemme Tres Two Extra Hold Hair Spray--HG! Will keep buying it forever! LOL. This is the best hair spray I've ever used. It doesn't make my hair crunchy and I can still comb through my hair, but it provides a strong hold.

7. American Crew Fiber--This is a more expensive product ($16 I believe) and it is a paste, so I don't use it very often, but I do like it. I wasn't sure if I was going to include it in this list, but it is a product I like and while it doesn't get used every day, I do like to rub a bit on my hands and work thorugh my hair when I want a bit of a messier finish than usual. This is also nice when i need to take care of fly-aways.

There you have it. Except for the paste and bobby pins, I use these products every day. Again, except for the paste, they are all reasonably priced and while the paste is more expensive, it lasts a long time. I bought mine in January and I've hardly used any at all. I think it also matters on how much hair you have. I use less product because I have short hair, so a more expensive product will last me longer than someone with long hair. I hope this was helpful!

Thanks!

Fast and Easy Tip 1: Clear Mascara

Clear mascara as primer and eyebrow gel.

If I put on a light layer of clear mascara (I use Maybelline Great Lash) on my eyelashes first, it makes it so much easier to but on my normal mascara! I don't know why this works but it does. I don't think it makes my mascara last longer or makes it any easier or harder to remove at night, but the application of mascara is smoother and faster than if I don't use it. Also, clear mascara doubles as eyebrow gel--so it's a multitasker! Yay!

I hope this is helpful. I'm going to try to post little tips about once a week. Meanwhile, my project eye is going great! (I didn't wear any eye makeup today so that's why there isn't a post for it, but I am am happy at how many looks I've done already. It really makes me realize how many possibilities there are when you use the makeup you already have. If anyone else wants to try this let me know how it works out for you!

Thanks!

Thursday May 27

It's been what? 2 weeks now that I've been doing my project? Yay! And, as promised I did do a look with actual color in it today. I managed to get an okay pic of it, it's just my camera doesn't work well. I need to get better about putting pictures on here though, I'm sure it's boring with just text. Well here's today's look:

1. MAC Painterly paint pot
2. MAC eyeshadow in Amber lights on inner 2/3 lid, crease and bottom lash line
3. MAC eyeshadow in Sketch on outter 1/3 lid, crease and bottom lash line
4. Revlon eyeshadow in Peach Sorbet on brow bone and used to blend edges
5. Revlon black eyeliner pen top lash line with Carbon over it to soften

I like the way the goldish color and dark purple work together. Because I felt this look was stronger than usual for me, I kept the rest of my face simple--just a bit of bronzer and lipgloss.

Thanks! So happy tomorrow is Friday!

Look For Grad Pics

Love the way my makeup came out today--especially my eyes. I was wearing more makeup than I usually do, but that's because of the pictures. I can't wait to see how they came out!

For eyes:
1. MAC Painterly pp
2. MAC eyeshadow Naked Lunch all over lid and crease
3. MAC eyeshadow Grain on brow bone
4. MAC eyeshadow Mulch in outter crease
5. Revlon black eyeliner pen on top lash line with a bit of MAC Carbon over it to soften
6. Maybelline Great Lash mascara

The rest of my face: primer, foundation, and concealer. Then MAC blush in Tenderling on my cheeks, and MAC lipglass in Boy Bait on lips.

Favorite Dugstore Finds Part 1

As much as I love makeup from MAC and Sephora, there is plenty of good quality makeup at the drugstore. I will say I buy from MAC and Sephora because I find their products work on and look great on me, but I have staples from the drugstore I can't live without. Part 1 is just going to focus on makeup--I'll do one on hair and skin care at a later time.

1. Mayelline Great Lash--I have been buying this mascara since highschool. I use the clear mascara as a brow gel and mascara primer, and right now I'm using the Big Lash which I think works a lot better than the normal brush.
2. NYC waterproof eyeliner pencils. These really are wonderful! They last all day without smudging. My only wish is that they came in more colors and were soft enough to use on my waterlines.
3. Nivea chapstick--where would I be without this? Very moisturizing, love it!
4. Covergirl Lipslicks. My favorite color is in Cutie. I like these becasue it's a combo of lipstick, lipgloss, and chapstick. This is great to throw in my purse or even jeans pocket and the color is sheer enough I can apply it without a mirror, but it's not so sheer you can't see any color--love it, love it, love it! If you couldn't tell...haha
5. Covergirl Amazemints Wetslicks in No Care Bare. These lipglosses will last for up to 2 hours easy (if I'm not eating or drinking anything) and give you the apperance of fresh breath because of the mint.
6. Lastly, Sonia Kashuk brushes. These aren't as good as MAC, but they hold their own and are more affordable.

Alright. That's that....If you have any questions let me know.

Thanks.

Tuesday May 25 Look

So I'm suppose to be working on a paper right now, but as a professional procrastinator, I'm going to do a blog instead :)

For today I was playing around with my bronzer again, so for my eye look I....

1. MAC Painterlyl paint pot
2. MAC bronzing powder in Golden on lid up to brow bone
3. MAC eyeshadow in Grain on brow bone
4. Smashbox trio Headshot (the dark color) in crease
5. Revlon liquid eyeliner pen on top lash line

Yes, I know, another neutral look, but this was very easy to do and really warmed up my face.

Foundation (and concealer) Routine

My foundation routine has never stayed the same for more than a few months because I've never found one I like. However, I believe I have found my perfect foundation(s). I've been doing this everyday for the past month and no complaints so far.

First I put on a primer (after I've washed my face, moisturized, etc). Right now I'm using Make Up For Ever HD primer #5. This is an okay primer. I think it does a good job. I personally like Benefit That Gal better, but MUFE has more in it and lasts longer for only a few bucks more, so that's what I'm using right now.

Then I conceal. I put on my concealer before my foundation because my foundation is powder. If you're using liquid or cream foundation, or a tinted moisturizer, I would put concealer on after because you'll probably find you don't need much concealer once your foundation is on. Anyway, for concealer I use two products.

The first is Benefit High Brow under my eyes. I use this rather than Eye Bright becasue that one has glitter in it and I don't want that under my eyes. I rub the pencil on my ring finger (that warms it up) then apply it under my eyes. After, I use a MAC 224 brush to lightly dust my MSF over it.

Then I use Cover Girl fresh complexion conealer in Classic Ivory to cover any redness.

Finally, foundation. I've been switching between MAC Studio Fix Powder in N3 and MAC Mineralize Skin Finish Natural in Light. I like both of these. The Studio Fix provides more coverage, but when I'm in a hurry or want something lighter, I grab my MSF. I use either a Kabuki brush or a large fluffy brush to apply each.

And that's it! I hope this was helpful.

Thanks!

Monday May 24

Alrighty, the look I did today was easy and simple--I know most of the looks I've been doing are like that, but I go to school and work M-R so I don't want anything too crazy, and then I tend to get lazy on the weekends. I'll do a more colorful look this weekend. Anyway I like today's look because it only used one eyeshadow trio--Smashbox in Shutterspeed--which has a matte neutral color, a shimmery pale color, and a shimmery black that isn't as true of a black as MAC carbon. Okay....

1. primed with MAC pp in Bare Study
2. put the matte color on the inner 2/3 of my lid and crease
3. the dark color on the outter 1/3 and outter crease
4. used the shimmery pale color to blend edges and as a highlight color
5. NYC waterproof black liner pencil on top lash line
6. more of the dark color to blend liner

Very wearable look. Even though it has black in it, it's not a true black so it's less intense. I love these trios by Smashbox. I have three of them, but I definitly want to get more. It's nice when the entire eye look is in one pot and ready to go--especially in the morning when I'm in a hurry. Plus, the shadows are good quality. Alright, enough rambling. I'll talk to you all soon.

Thanks!

Weekend Looks

Didn't do much makeup this weekend--I just kept it very natural and simple. On Saturday I only wore bronzer on my eyelids, and today I put on Painterly, then a dark brown shadow on my eyelids (Mulch). That was about it. I've just been playing around with the bronzer I just bought--trying it out and trying to figure out the best way to wear it. I'll do a post on bronzer once I get more comfortable with it. So far I'm loving it. I wasn't sure becasue it does have some shimmer in it (BTW, I'm talking about the MAC Bronzing Powder in Golden I just got) but not much and I think the bit of shimmer it does have is actually hiding some of my skin imperfections....I'll wait till my bronzer post though to go into details. Just wanted to put my eye looks up for the weekend. Like I said, didn't really do much, but they were different haha. Hope you're all having a good weekend!

Thanks!

May 21 Friday

Simple Everyday Look:

1. MAC Painterly p.p
2. MAC eyeshadow Naked Lunch on lid
3. the brown color from Smashbox eyeshadow trio Head Shot in crease
4. more Naked Lunch to blend crease color out and onto brow bone
5. Black eyeliner on top (a thicker line than usual)

Today's look, a mini haul, and some sad news

Ok, first of all this is what I did today:

1. MAC Painterly pp on lid
2. MAC eyeshadow in Deep Truth on lid
3. MAC eyeshadow in Scene over Deep Truth and into crease
4. MAC eyeshadow in Grain to blend crease edges
5. Revlon Peach Sorbet on brow bone

The Verdict: This was a strong look, but it worked. I didn't wear any eyeliner because I thought it would look too harsh for a day time look. The only problem I find when wearing blue eyeshadow is that it can make the cirlces under your eyes look darker, so make sure to wear plenty of concealer.

Moving on: My mini, mini haul (only two things) and my sad news:

I went to the mall today to buy a dress for graduation and since I found the perfect dress in the first store we (my mom and I) went in, I figured I got to reward myself by stopping at the MAC counter at Macy's. There, I saw the Marine Life powder I'm dying to get so I tried it on....does not look good on me :( It is way to pink for me. I already have quite a bit of pink and sometimes even red in my cheeks so I avoid wearing pink blush or pink powder. Not going to get Marine Life, which is very sad becasue it looks so beautiful. I thought about getting it to wear on my eyes, but that's a lot of money and powder just to wear as eyeshadows, so not getting it :(. However I would recommend you try it. It's a gorgeous pink and coral color, it just doesn't love me.

On a slightly happier note though, I did pick up a couple of things. One is a bronzing powder in Golden--it's my first bronzer ever! And two is eyeshadow brush 239. The bronzer is a good color on me and I look forward to using it and experiementing with it, and I've already tried the brush which puts on a lot of color! Very nice! And it works good in the crease too.

Thanks!

MAC To the Beach Collection

Got this pic from Temptalia.com--it is from MAC's To the Beach collection and is a high light powder called Marine Life. Beautiful! This is one thing I want most from this collection. I actually got a sneak peek at it last week when I went to MAC and everything looks good, but this is what caught my attention. I'm hoping I get my hands on it when it comes out (May 27) and don't have to wait. I might try ordering online...hhmm...don't know yet. It looks like it's going to be $26 in the U.S. which is expensive for powder, but look at it! Haha. I'll have to get a better look in person, but I think I also want the lipstick in Beach Bound which is a "sheer frosted pale peach (glaze)." Okay, so excited, just hads to put this one here. What do you guys want from this collection?

May 19 (Wednesday)

Ok, I got a little crazy today. I probably shouldn't have tried to experiment before going to work, but I think this look turned out ok. I would probably prefer to wear it going out rather than going to work, but I like it. It's very purple and very shimmery, which I usually don't go for a lot of shimmer, but oh well. Okay, here's what I did:

1. Mac Bare Study p.p.
2. Mac mineralize duo Midnight Madness the dark purple--I used a wet brush to apply it to the lids
3. Mac mineralize quad Girlish Romp the light purple--Again, wet brush and applied it to my crease
4. Blended everything
5. Mac eyeshadow Naked Lunch on brow bone
6. Dark blue eyeliner on bottom lashline

I think because the two purples were so shimmery, I shouldn't have used Naked Lunch on my brow bone, but used a matte highlight instead. I also made sure I filled my brows in because this is such a strong eye look, you want your brows to look good. Still trying to figure out this picture thing--I've taken some pics but they don't show enough detail...I'll keep trying.

Thanks!

Tuesday May 18 Eye

1. Mac Coral Crepe p.p. on lid (not into crease)
2. Mac eyeshadow in Honesty over Coral Crepe
3. Mac eyeshadow in Mulch on outter 1/4 lid and into crease
4. Mac eyeshadow in Grain to blend edges
5. Revlon eyeshadow in Peach Sorbet for brow bone
6. Brown pencil liner on bottom lashline

I love the Coral Crepe paint pot! It's a beautiful color and really warms up my eyes. I liked putting Honesty over it becasue you could still see the coral color, but it wasn't too in-your-face bold. I would keep it bolder if I was going out, but for school and work I usually keep my makeup toned down.

Thanks!

May 17, Monday

I'm really liking the look I did today. I'm going to try to see if I can get pictures going up on here to so you can see the different makeup looks. I was in a hurry this morning so this look was easy and quick to pull off:

1. Mac Painterly paintpot
2. Smashbox trio eyeshadow in Headshot---> I put the light yellow on in inner half of my lid to my crease, the pink on the outter half of my lid to my crease, and then the brown to my outside crease and outside corner.
3. Mac eyeshadow Grain to blend up to brow bone
4. Brown penicl liner on top, with the brown from Headshot over it

Then I finished off with mascra as usual and the rest of my makeup. I'm liking this look. I'm wearing it at work and I think it's soft enough to be worn to work and to be a daytime look.


Disclaimer: This 30 day project I'm doing is not for tutorial purposes which is why I'm not telling you how I apply my makeup, just where. If anyone wants tutorials let me know!

Thanks!

Some Basic Skin Info

I realized this morning that it might help if you were aware of my skin type when I'm giving reviews, tutoriasl, or other beauty information. So here it goes: I have oily combo and acne prone skin. I'm fair with pink and yellow undertones--my face is pinker than the rest of my body and I have slightly red patches in my cheeks. I wear MAC foundation and the color I wear is N3. As for the rest of my coloring: I have dark blond hair and brown eyes.

On another note: I did not wear makeup today so there will not be a post for my eye project today.

Thanks!

May 13, 14, & 15 looks

Since I started this project before I started my blog here's the update:

May 13 (Thurs)
1. Mac Painterly paint pot all over lid and up to brow bone
2. Mac mineralize duo Burning Ambition--dark color on lid, light in crease (blend edges)
3. Revlon Matte Peach Sorbet on brow bone
4. Smashbox brown cream liner (from cream liner palette) on top, Mac eyeshadow in Mulch over that to blend
5. NYC waterproof liner light blue on bottom lash line

The verdict: I was in a hurry this morning and didn't do a very good job on my makeup so the look didn't last all day. Was messy by late afternoon.

May 14 (Fri)
1. Mac Barestudy paint pot
2. Mac eyeshadow in Naked Lunch on lid
3. Mac eyeshadow in Scene in crease and outter 1/3 of lid
4. more Naked Lunch to blend crease color
5. Revlon Peach Sorbet on brow bone
6. Scene undereye, and NYC waterproff dark blue liner on top of that

The verdict: I liked this look. At first I thought maybe it was a bit too dark for day time, but after wearing it all day, I think I rocked it. Just light on cheeks and lips.

May 15 (Sat)
1. Mac Barestudy paint pot
2. Mac eyeshadow Grain on lid
3. Mac Naked Lunch on brown bone
4. Black liner smudged with q-tip on top and on bottom waterline

The verdict: The only place I went to today was a quick trip to Starbucks. This was an easy and quick looks and brightened my eyes so I looked put together without having to put on much makeup. This would be a good look for running errands.

Alrighty, I'll try to post a blog everyday so I don't have to play catched up so often. Thanks!