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'

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'

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'

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'

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'

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!

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'

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