Monday, December 30, 2013

New Year's Eve Glitter


New Year's Eve is full of sparkle and shine! The Time's Square ball that drops, fireworks, party dresses full of sequins and my favorite... glittery makeup! This look is perfect for any New Year's party because it matches with everything and it will catch the light beautifully whether you are out to dinner or on the dance floor. It is fairly easy to recreate, as it's just a basic smokey eye with a few added embellishments. 


























Eyes
1. Apply a primer on the lid all the way up to the brow bone as well as on the lower lash line. I used my Urban Decay Primer Potion.
2. Apply a silver cream base to intensify the silver eyeshadow that will go on top. I used Sephora + Pantone Universe Precious Metal Mousse Shadow in 'Silver'.
3. Pat on silver eyeshadow over the cream base (I used Sephora Collection shadow in #60) and then lay silver glitter on top (I used Sephora Collection Glitter Liner & Mascara in 'Sassy Silver')
4. Blend a matte gray shadow into the crease and highlight the browbone with a matte white shadow.
5. Smoke a black matte shadow into the outer third of the eye, keeping it in a 'v' shape.
6. Apply a black pencil liner along the top lash line and smoke it out with a black shimmer eyeshadow.
7. Add mascara to the top and bottom lashes and apply glittery false eyelashes. Mine are from the Sephora Collection and they are in the style 'Paparazzi'.  
8. Apply black liner on the outer half of the lower lashline and set it with a black shimmery shadow. Also apply a bit of the silver cream base on the inner half and set it with the silver shadow.
9. Finish the look by filling in any sparse areas within the brows. I used my Anastasia Brow Wiz in 'Medium Ash'.

Face
Foundation: Becca Radiant Skin Satin Finish Foundation
Concealer: Benefit Stay Don't Stray & Mac Pro-Longwear
Powder: Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette
Blush: Nars Guy Bourdin Palette (darkest color)
Bronzer: Nars Laguna
Highlight: Laura Mercier 'Highlight 01'

Lips
Lipgloss: Bite Lush Fruit in 'Honey'

Saturday, December 28, 2013

Ice Maiden

New Year's Eve is the perfect time to channel your inner ice maiden, especially with freezing weather recently! This look is soft yet bold and it will look absolutely gorgeous on brown eyes. I kept the blending and the eyeliner very soft to add more of a delicacy to the vibrant colors. Then throw on a pretty silver or sequined dress and you are ready for any party!


























Eyes
1. Prime the eyes to ensure long lasting, crease proof, intense color. I used my Urban Decay Primer Potion.
2. Lay down cream bases to make the eyeshadows more vibrant. (I find it necessary to use a colored base under light shadows like white and silver to make them show up). I used my Maybelline Color Tattoo in '05 Too Cool' as my white cream base on the inner half of the lid and my Illamasqua Liquid Metal in 'Superior' as my dark blue base on the outer half on the lid. Smudge in the bases to make them look soft and blown out.
3. Pat a medium toned blue eyeshadow over the lid avoiding only the outermost and innermost corners of the lid. I used my L'oreal Infallible Eyeshadow in '222 Infinite Sky'.
4. Use a shimmery silver shadow on the inner corners of the eye to add brightness. I used #60 from the Sephora Collection.
5. Place a dark blue shimmery shadow on the outer corners of the eye and blend it softly into the crease and into the lighter blue. I used a pigment called 'Alluvium' by Illamasqua.
6. Line the upper lash line with a dark blue pencil and smudge it into the eyeshadows to soften the line. I used a kohl pencil by Lancome called 'Black Lapis'
7. Highlight the browbone with a matte white color to lift the eyes.
8. Line the lower lashline with a white pencil and set it with the same silver eyeshadow.
9. Place a liquid glitter over the liner and eye shadow to add sparkle. I used NYX 'Crystal Hip'.
10. Place a tiny bit of silver glitter on the inner corners of the eye to add some icy sparkle. I used my Sephora Glitter Liner & Mascara in 'Sassy Silver'
11. Add black mascara to the top lashes only, then use a white lash primer on the bottom lashes to mimic falling snow, I used one by L'oreal.
12. Fill in any sparse areas within the brows to frame the eyes and finish the look. I used my Anastasia Brow Wiz in 'Medium Ash'.

Face
Foundation: Nars Sheer Glow
Concealer: Benefit Stay Don't Stray & Mac Pro-Longwear
Powder: Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette
Blush: Hard Candy 'Living Doll'
Bronzer: Estee Lauder in 'Bronze Goddess'
Highlight: Laura Mercier in 'Highlight 01'

Lips
Lipstick: Bare Escentuals Marvelous Moxie in 'Speak Your Mind'
Lipgloss: Bobbi Brown Brightening Lipgloss in 'Pink 1'

Thursday, December 26, 2013

Naked 3 Palette

The Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette has arrived, and judging by how fast our store sold out, a lot of you received it for Christmas! I put together a soft and simple look using the palette that's easy to recreate and would be perfect for any occasion. This palette will look best on those with green, hazel or blue eyes, but of course, anyone can wear it. I will be doing a few more looks showing other options with some of the darker colors in the palette, so let me know if there is anything specific that you would like to see!


































Eyes
1. Prime the lids to ensure long lasting, crease proof shadow application. I used my Urban Decay Primer Potion.
2. Take 'Limit' and blend it softly into the crease, leaving the edges blown out and hazy.
3. Blend 'Nooner' into the crease to add depth and dimension.
4. Place 'Burnout' all over the lid and blend it slightly into the crease colors.
5. Press 'Dust' onto the center of the lid for a bit of sparkle and shine.
6. Pat 'Factor' onto the outer corners of the eyes to elongate them.
7. Sweep a tiny bit of 'Darkside' into the outer 'v'  for drama.
8. Line the upper lash line with a black liquid liner, I used my Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in 'Trooper' and then I went over it with my Sephora Glitter Liner & Mascara in 'Bewitched Black'.
9. Highlight under the brow bone with 'Strange' and the inner corners with a mix of 'Strange' & 'Dust'.
10. Line the lower lash line with a taupe/mauve pencil and set it with 'Mugshot'.
11. Add mascara to the top and bottom lashes.
12. Finish the look by filling in the brows, I used my Anastasia Brow Wiz in 'Medium Ash'.

Face
Foundation: Becca Radiant Skin Satin Finish Foundation
Concealer: Benefit Stay Don't Stray & Mac Pro-Longwear
Powder: Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette
Blush: Smashbox in 'Rosy' topped with Becca Pressed Shimmering Skin Perfector in 'Rose Gold'
Bronzer: Estee Lauder in 'Bronze Goddess'
Highlight: Laura Mercier in 'Highlight 01'

Lips
Lipstick: Laura Mercier Lip Stain in 'Shy Pink'
Lipliner: Sephora Nano Lipliner in 'Lovely Lilac'
Lipgloss: Benefit Ultra Plush Lipgloss in 'Sugarbomb'

Monday, December 23, 2013

Gumdrops & Lollipops

Soft shades of pink, green and cream remind me of the swirled lollipops and pastel gumdrops that decorate Christmas Gingerbread houses. Indulge yourself and satisfy your sweet tooth with this pretty, sugar-y makeup look this holiday season. I used shades from my Too Faced  'A Few of my Favorite Things' palette, as well as my absolute favorite lipstick of all time; a YSL Rouge Volupte Shine. This lipstick formula is incredible, super hydrating, shiny yet long lasting, plus they taste like jolly ranchers! I plan to pick up a few more colors so I can wear one with any look!







































Eyes
1. Blend a light brown shadow (I used Chocolate Milk) into the crease and outer corner of the lid.
2. Place a matte pink shadow (I used 'Taffy') all over the lid and blend it into the crease. 
3. Take a sparkly pink shadow (I used Coquet) and place it on the center of the lid to add dimension.
4. Take a shimmery white color (I used 'Snowflakes') and place it on the inner corners of the eyes. 
5. Place a matte white shadow (I used 'Cream Colored Ponies') under the brow bone to lift the eyes. 
6. Line the top lash line with a black liquid liner and then trace around the black liner with a light pink. I used my Kat Von D Tattoo liner in 'Trooper' and my NYX Studio Liquid Liner in 'Extreme Pink'.
7. Add mascara and false lashes if you wish. I didn't use any for this look because I wanted the two-toned liner to show up better.
8. Run a light silvery green shadow (I used Tinsel) along the bottom lash line from inner corner to outer corner.
9. Finish the look by filling in any sparse areas of the brow, I used my Anastasia Brow Wiz in 'Medium Ash'.

Face
Foundation: Becca Radiant Skin Satin Finish
Concealer: Benefit Stay Don't Stray & Mac Pro-Longwear
Powder: Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette
Blush: Nars Guy Bourdin Palette (bright pink shade)
Bronzer: Estee Lauder in 'Bronze Goddess'
Highlight: Laura Mercier in 'Highlight 01'

Lips
Lipstick: Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte Shine in #5
Lipgloss: Bobbi Brown Brightening Lipgloss in 'Pink 1'

Friday, December 20, 2013

Classic Christmas

When I hear 'christmas makeup' I automatically think full, creamy red lips and black eyeliner. To me, this look is a classy way to celebrate the holiday season. This look can suit anyone, and it's relatively simple to recreate. You can wear it with a fancy little black dress or with something cozy and casual. I added a pop of gold glitter on the inner corners to make it more festive, but you can absolutely skip that step to keep it toned down.



Eyes
1. Prime the eyes to ensure crease-proof, long lasting, pigmented shadow application.
2. Blend a light brown shadow into the crease and outer edge of the eye to add shape and definition.
3. Place a sparkly champagne color all over the lid and blend it slightly into the brown.
4. Lightly shade the outer 'v' of the eye with a dark brown shadow, making sure to blend it in well.
5. Line the top lash line in black, I used my Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in 'Trooper' but you can even use a black pencil for this look if you don't feel comfortable with liquid.
6. Place gold glitter on the inner corners of the eye for some festive sparkle. I used my Sephora Glitter Liner & Mascara in 'VIP Gold'.
7. Take a shimmery white shadow and place it all along the lower lash line.
8. Add mascara and apply false lashes for a pop of drama.
9. Finish the look by filling in any sparse areas of the brows, I used my Anastasia Brow Wiz in 'Medium Ash'.

Face
Foundation: Nars Sheer Glow
Concealer: Benefit Stay Don't Stray & Mac Pro-Longwear
Powder: Nars Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder
Blush: Mary Kay Velvet Mousse Cheek Color in 'Rosy'
Highlight: Laura Mercier in 'Highlight 01'

Lips
Lipstick: Bite Luminous Creme lipstick in 'Tannin'
Lipliner: Illamasqua Medium Pencil in 'Severe'

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Nars Sheer Glow Review

Funny story about this foundation is that I used to hate it...
When I was about 13 years old, I was shopping with my mom in one of the department stores at the mall, either Macy's or Lord & Taylor's I believe. We were walking through the makeup counters when I noticed some girls setting up a makeup chair and a poster about a Nars makeup event. When I paused to read it, they asked me if I wanted to sit down. We had nowhere else to be so I was thrilled when my mom said yes. 



















At that point, my makeup routine consisted of a little bit of L'oreal Mineral powder, some lipgloss and a tad of mascara so I was super excited to be in the hands of professionals. The artist prepped me with Nars skincare (the Aqua Gel Moisturizer was AMAZING) and asked me a little about my preferences. She decided that the Sheer Matte formula would be the best thing for me and applied it, along with their primer and powder. I also remember that she did light purple eye shadow with subtle black cat liner even though I wanted her to use a sparkly bright blue turquoise shade called 'Tropic'. 

The finished product looked very nice but I was extremely hesitant about the price even though my mom offered to get it for me. Eventually I agreed and we took home the primer and the foundation. But by the time we got home I was an oil slick and everything was sliding off. When I tried it on my own the next morning it lasted better but it still wasn't amazing to we returned them. Now I know that the artist didn't leave enough time for the skincare to soak in and it made the foundation have nothing to stick to, but back then I was clueless and I figured I would never try it again. Fast forward to a few months ago, and now I love it.

without/with Nars Sheer Glow in 'Siberia'



















This foundation has a beautiful medium, buildable coverage with a natural satin looking finish, it has a skin like 'glow' but it is not sparkly or intense. Marketed to normal/dry/very dry skin it is supposed to be hydrating and weightless. It is definitely weightless but it clings to dry patches so I personally wouldn't recommend it for 'very dry' skin unless you are really good about exfoliating. It comes in 17 shades and it's good for yellowy-golden skin tones that are usually hard to match, like indian skin. Nars suggests to apply this foundation with your fingers, which I have done, but it looks much better and more flawless with my Beauty Blender. It dries down and sets itself which I really like, but I still finish it off with a dusting of my Hourglass Ambient lighting powder just to be safe.  

Unfortunately you have to purchase the pump separately, but I think it's only about $6. The most buzzed about dupe for this foundation is the Neutrogena 'Healthy Skin Foundation' but I strongly disagree with that. I would say the closest drugstore version might be the L'oreal 'Lumi Foundation' or the Maybelline 'Fit Me' Foundation. 





















Let me know if you have tried this foundation out for yourself!

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Victoria's Secret Angel




I love the Victoria's Secret fashion show and I look forward to it every year. The wardrobe, music and props are always so incredible and exciting! Of course, I always love the makeup, but the angels keep it very understated for a runway show. Their goal is to look as natural as possible while still being bombshells. I hope you enjoy  my rendition of the classic VS eye, all it takes is a bit of gold and brown with some winged-out lashes!






























Eyes
1. Prime the eyes to ensure crease-proof, long lasting, pigmented shadow application. I used Urban Decay's Primer Potion.
2. Take a matte brown shadow and blend it into the crease, following the length of the socket line.
3. Place a shimmery gold shadow on the center of the lid and lightly blend it into the brown.
4. Dab a shimmery peachy/cream colored highlight on the innermost corners of the eyes to brighten them and open them up.
5. Smudge a dark brown pencil liner onto the top lashline and set it with a brown eyeshadow.
6. Run the gold eyeshadow on the outer half of the bottom lashline and the peachy highlight color on the inner half of the lower lashline.
7. Add mascara and false lashes for the wide eyed, VS signature look. The style I used are called demi-wispies.
8. Highlight the browbone with a matte, cream colored eyeshadow.
9. Finish the look by filling in any sparse areas of the brows. I used my Anastasia Brow Wiz in 'Medium Ash'.

Face
Foundation: Becca Radiant Skin Satin Finish Foundation
Concealer: Mac Pro Longwear 
Powder: Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette
Blush: Hard Candy 'Living Doll' & Benefit 'Coralista'
Bronzer: Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess
Highlight: Laura Mercier in 'Highlight 01'

Lips
Lipstick: Clinique Chubby Stick in 'Whoppin' Watermelon'
Lipgloss: Tarte Maracuja Divine Shine in 'Achiote'

Monday, December 2, 2013

Party Time Eyes (Teal and Purple)

I recently saw Jaclyn Hill create this look on Youtube and I thought it was a really cool color combination. At the time I didn't own the Too Faced palette that she used, so I used some colors from my Urban Decay Vice Palette. This combo looks the best on brown eyes and it's an easy way to try out some color without dipping into crazy neons.




























Eyes
1. Prime the eyes to ensure long lasting, intense color payoff and prevent creasing. I used my Urban Decay Primer Potion.
2. Use a light purple shadow through the crease and blend it up towards the browbone, I used 'rapture'.
3. Take a teal eyeliner pencil and smudge it onto the lid to create a base for the teal shadow. Blend this slightly into the purple shadow so there are no harsh lines.
4. Take a teal shadow and densely pack it onto the eyelid over the pencil, I used 'unhinged'. Make sure you blend it into the purple shade that is already on the lid.
5. Take a darker purple shadow and blend it into the crease, following the socket line inwards. I used 'vice'.
6. Line the top lashline with black liner. I didn't flick it into a cat-eye because I wanted the focus to be on the shadows.
7. Place some glitter on the inner corner of the eyelids for a pop of sparkle and color. I used my Sephora Glitter Liner & Mascara in 'Sweetheart Pink'.
8. Line the waterline and outer half of the bottom lash line with the same teal pencil and set it with the teal shadow. Place the glitter liner on the inner half of the lower lashline and slightly overlap it into the teal.
9. Add mascara and false lashes if you like them. I stacked two pairs together to get the fanned out look.
10. Finish the look by filling in any sparse areas in the brows. I used my Anastasia Brow Wiz in 'Medium Ash'.

Face
Foundation: Nars Sheer Glow
Concealer: Mac Pro-Longwear 
Powder: Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in 'Ethereal'
Blush: Hard Candy 'Living Doll'
Bronzer: Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess
Highlight: Laura Mercier in 'Highlight 01'

Lips
Dior Addict Lipstick #253

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Gingerbread Spice - Anastasia Lavish Palette Look #2

A perfect look to wear this Thanksgiving, transition from fall into winter with this warm, spicy look I created with my Anastasia Lavish Palette. Bits of glitter, along with shades of cream and ginger remind me of a crisp, snowy night spent by the fire. If you like this look make sure to read my review on the palette and view Look #1.



























Eyes
1. Prime the eyes to ensure long lasting, intense color payoff and to prevent creasing. I used my Urban Decay Primer Potion.
2. Run 'orange soda' through the socket line from the outer corner to the inner corner, creating a shape for the darker colors to follow.
3. Blend 'rum cake' over top of the 'orange soda' to smoke out the color and add dimension.
4. Use 'sienna' on the outer corner of the lid to intensify the shape and colors in the socket.
5. Take 'cream' and place it on the roundest, center part of the lid and blend it slightly into the other shades.
6. Line the top lash line with black liquid liner and flick it out into a wing. I used my Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in 'Trooper'.
7. Add glitter to the inner corners of the eye. I used my Sephora Glitter Liner & Mascara in 'VIP Gold'.
8. Place 'cream' along the bottom lash line and place a little bit of the gold glitter overtop of it.
9. Add mascara and false lashes if you choose.
10. Finish the look by filling in any sparse areas in the brows. I used my Anastasia Brow Wiz in 'Medium Ash'.

Face
Foundation: Nars Sheer Glow
Concealer: Benefit Stay Don't Stray
Powder: Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in 'Ethereal'
Blush: Tarte Amazonian Clay 12hr blush in 'Blissful'
Bronzer: Estee Lauder 'Bronze Goddess'
Highlight: Laura Mercier in 'Highlight 01'

Lips
Lipstick: Mac 'Modesty'

***Congrats to Heather B. for being the lucky winner of my 'Thankful Giveaway' and I hope that you all have a great holiday tomorrow!***

Saturday, November 23, 2013

Fiery Fall Eyes

I know fall is coming to an end and winter is just around the corner, but it's not Thanksgiving yet, so I can throw in one more fall inspired look! I used Stila's 10 Pan Eyeshadow Palette, and I am so in love with the colors and pigmentation. Unfortunately it's discontinued from Stila and Sephora, I found mine at Nordstrom Rack (thanks Anna for telling me about N.R.) but I did find this one listed on Ebay. I would definitely recommend snatching it up if you can, it is even listed at a discounted price!



























Eyes
1. Prime the eyes to ensure long lasting, intense color and prevent creasing. I used my Urban Decay Primer Potion.
2. Take a matte, medium brown eyeshadow and run it through the socket line, blending and feathering it out to give yourself a soft guideline to follow with the brighter colors. 
3. Take a bright, yellowy-gold shade and place it onto the inner third of the eyelid, follow with a copper-orange shade on the center of the lid, and a rusty-red on the outer third.
4. Lightly blend those three shades together towards the browbone, softening the color as you go.
5. Define the crease with a dark plum color to give your eye more shape and depth.
6. Softly line the top lash line for definition. I used a Laura Mercier Caviar Stick in 'Khaki' which is brownish-green in color.
7. Line the bottom lash line with a green pencil and set it in place with a leafy green eyeshadow.
8. Add mascara or false lashes if you choose. I didn't use lashes for this tutorial because I didn't want to distract from the great colors.
9. Finish the look by filling in any sparse areas on the brows. I used my Anastasia Brow Wiz in 'Medium Ash'.

Face
Foundation: Nars Sheer Glow
Concealer: Benefit Stay Don't Stray & Mac Pro-Longwear
Powder: Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette (I set under my eyes with 'Incandescent' and my face with a mix of 'Dim' and 'Incandescent')
Blush: Nars 'Orgasm' topped with Becca Pressed Shimmering Skin Perfector in 'Rose Gold'
Bronzer: Nars 'Laguna'
Highlight: Laura Mercier in 'Highlight 01'

Lips
Nars Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil in 'New Lover'
Mac Lipstick in 'Viva Glam IV' 

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Green & Gold Eyes

My extra discount at Sephora just kicked in, so of course I had to pick up some of our new and amazing holiday goodies! I got a few palettes (I used the Too Faced 'A Few of my Favorite Things' palette for this eye look), as well as some single items which have been so fun to test out! Let me know if you want a haul or mini-reviews on what I purchased so you can have an idea what's worth it this season. And if my skin looks super glowy in these photos it's because of some of those new items! I'm completely in love with them, especially the the Hourglass Ambient powders and Rose Gold powder from Becca.



























Eyes
1. Prime the eyes to ensure long-lasting, intense color. I used my Urban Decay Primer Potion.
2. Take a light brown eyeshadow and blend it into the crease to get a soft, blown-out base to follow your other eyeshadows with.
3. Trace the light brown with a forest green eyeshadow. Blend this color into the crease, outer corner and inner corner of the eye, but don't get it onto the center of the lid.
4. Place a gold shimmery eyeshadow on the center of the lid and blend it out into the darker colors. You can layer gold glitter on top of it like I did if you want it to look more festive. I used my Sephora Glitter Liner & Mascara in 'VIP Gold'.
5. Take a deep plum shadow and blend it very lightly into the outer edge of the crease for definition.
6. Line your top lashline with black liquid liner and add mascara and false lashes if you like them.
7. Line the bottom lashline with purple liner and set it with purple shadow.
8. Highlight the browbone with a matte cream/white color to lift the eyes and break up the darkness of the rest of the shadows. 
9. Finish the look by filling in any sparse areas of the brows. I used my Anastasia Brow Wiz in 'Medium Ash'.


Face
Foundation: Nars Sheer Glow
Concealer: Benefit Stay Don't Stray & Mac Pro-Longwear
Powder: Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette. I set under my eyes with 'Incandescent' and my face with a mix of 'Dim' and 'Incandescent'
Blush: Nars 'Orgasm' topped with Becca Pressed Shimmering Skin Perfector in 'Rose Gold'
Bronzer: Nars 'Laguna'
Highlight: Laura Mercier in 'Highlight 01'

Lips
Nars Velvet Gloss lip pencil in 'New Lover'
Mac lipstick in 'Viva Glam IV'
Nars matte lipstick in 'Peloponnese' (limited edition)


***Make sure to enter my makeup giveaway! So far only 10 people entered correctly, so there is still a huge chance that YOU could be the winner! Only one week left! Details are in my previous post.***

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Thankful Giveaway

It is that time of year where people show their gratitude and give back to others, and I want to give back to you guys! I love getting messages from you all telling me that you loved a post or that something I said helped you out. So this is a chance for me to share with you some things that I love and use myself.

3 little things I'm thankful for
*my sweet pets
*the awesome, funny and talented girls I get to work with
*my 1 google + follower, I don't know who you are, but thank you!


















Prizes ***
Urban Decay Palette
Mini Urban Decay All-Nighter Spray
Sephora Glitter Set
Beauty Blender
Mini Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer

Rules
* Subscribe via email to my blog and save the confirmation message as proof of subscription. You will find the subscription box on the right hand sidebar of my blog underneath my instagram slideshow feed.
* Like my Facebook page and like & share the 'giveaway post' on your own page. 
* Follow me on instagram: nicolecudzilo and like the 'giveaway post' & comment to 3 of your friends. 
* Contest ends November 27th at 12:00am.

Extra Prize Opportunity!!!
If I reach 1,000 subscriptions/likes/followers on either my blog, my Facebook or my instagram by November 27th (the day before Thanksgiving) then an extra prize will be added and it will be awesome! (Think another palette!)

One winner will be picked at random and I will message that person on Facebook on November 27th to confirm the prizes and get their shipping address. Feel free to comment or message me on my Facebook page or email me with any questions or concerns.



*** all prizes were purchased with my own money

Monday, November 11, 2013

Soft Pink Eyes (Guest Artist)


A few days ago I got my makeup done by my amazing and beautiful friend Jennie. We work together at Sephora and I've always admired her makeup style. It was so much fun to be sitting in the makeup chair instead of working behind it, and the experience made me see my own features very differently. She did my makeup in a way that I never would have thought to do, which is helpful as a makeup artist because it keeps on your toes. It's so easy to slip into the same pattern or style when doing your own makeup but having it done by someone else really spices up your vision. She did my whole face with the Too Faced: A Few of my Favorite Things palette.



This palette would make an amazing holiday gift for someone 
who likes to experiment with color!












                                               



















1. Prime the eyes to ensure long lasting, intense color and prevent creasing. Jennie used the Urban Decay Primer Potion.
2. She laid 'taffy' all over the lid and extended the color past the outer corners of my eye to make them more elongated.
3. She then placed 'coquet' on the roundest center part of my eyelid to highlight it. This color is amazing, neither Jennie or I can get over it! 
4. She layered 'chocolate milk', 'bluff', and 'dark chocolate' into the crease to build up intensity and definition.
5. She highlighted my browbone with 'cream colored ponies' and then blended it into the darker crease colors.
6. She lined my eyes with the Bobbi Brown's Gel Liner and extended the inner corners for a more arabic inspired look. 
7. She placed 'tinsel' along my lower lashline for some extra sparkle.
8. Finish the look by adding mascara. We used the Too Faced 'Better Than Sex' mascara that came with the palette.

Face
Foundation: Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation
Concealer: Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer
Blush: Too Faced 'Raindrops on Roses' (from palette)
Bronzer: Too Faced 'Chocolate Soleil' (from palette)
Highlight: Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in 'Diffused Light'

Lips
Lipstick: Yves Saint Laurent Volupte Sheer Candy in 'Cool Guava'


***

Here are some of Jennie's past Halloween looks: 


Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Anastasia Lavish Palette - Look #1

You heard from my review about how much I love this palette, so I wanted to create a few different looks with it. This is the first one using only colors from the palette along with some gold glitter on the inner corners. More Lavish tutorials to come soon!







































Eyes
1. Prime the eyes to prevent creasing and ensure long lasting and intense color. I used my Urban Decay Primer Potion.
2. Take 'orange soda' and blend it into the crease and softly up towards the brow bone on a fluffy blending brush.
3. Place 'sienna' into the deepest part of the crease to add dimension. Also blend this into the inner corners of the eye.
4. Mix 'rum cake' and 'antique' on your brush and place it onto the lid, blending it into the crease colors.
5. Place 'ballet' onto the center of the lid to highlight the roundest part of the eye.
6. Use 'cream' on the brow bone to lift the eye.
7. Add some gold glitter to the inner corner of the eye, I used my Sephora Glitter Liner & Mascara in 'VIP Gold'.
8. Trace the upper lashline with a liquid liner and add mascara. I also lined the outer corner of the bottom lid with a black pencil and then smudged 'sienna' overtop it for softness.
9. Fill in any sparse areas of the brows to finish the look. I used my Anastasia Brow Wiz in 'Medium Ash'.

Face
Foundation: Nars Sheer Glow 
Concealer: Mac Pro-Longwear 
Powder: Hourglass Ambient Lighting powder in 'Ethereal'
Blush: Nars 'Orgasm'
Bronzer: Estee Lauder 'Bronze Goddess'
Highlight: Laura Mercier baked matte in 'Highlight 01'

Lips
Lipstick: Nars Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil in 'New Lover'.

Monday, November 4, 2013

Anastasia Lavish Palette Review

In my opinion this is the perfect fall eyeshadow set! With warm hues of berry, copper, bronze, and green this palette is sure to make your eyes radiate on those chilly fall days. Now that Thanksgiving is coming and the leaves are falling in vibrant shades of orange and gold, it's time to change up your makeup and add a little bit of spice to your routine.













Anastasia Beverly Hills is the brand when it comes to eyebrows. If you haven't checked out her products you should do so immediately. I am happy to say that her eyeshadows deliver the same fantastic results as all of her eyebrow products! This is a limited edition palette that not only comes with 10 shadows, but also 1 mini eyeliner, 1 mini eyebrow pencil, a double ended eyeshadow brush, and tweezers. It comes packed up in a cute little box-style palette so you can travel with everything in one piece. It retails for $38.00 which I think is very reasonable.












The palette has a mix of matte and shimmer shades, while 'black diamond' is the only one with glitter. Its base is a true matte black but it has tiny, beautiful specks of gold glitter within it. With my Urban Decay Primer Potion as a base, these shadows are highly pigmented with barely any fallout. They are extremely smooth and blendable, and the matte shades glide on like butter, definitely the best mattes I've ever tried. The versatility is endless, you can do simple neutral looks, sultry smoky looks or just add a pop of color with the 'moss' and 'pink sapphire' shades. It would be amazing on those with green or blue eyes, but it is very flattering on brown eyes as well. This is definitely my favorite palette that I have used or purchased all year and I am very excited to try out more from the Anastasia brand. Absolutely 5 stars!

Tutorials with this palette are coming soon!