Neutral Matte Eyes - Anastasia Lavish Palette Look #3

I always forget how much I love matte eyeshadows! Normally I'm drawn to the sparkly and shimmery colors, but mattes really do a much better job of creating drama and adding shape to the eye, plus they photograph gorgeously! I always use them to create the framework in my looks, but rarely will I do a completely matte eye. So here's to breaking out of the box and trying something new!

Eyes
1. Prime the eyes to ensure vibrant, crease-proof, long lasting shadow application, I used my Urban Decay Primer Potion.
2. Blend 'orange soda' along the whole length of the crease in an arc shape.
3. Blend 'sienna' on top of the 'orange soda' to deepen the crease and add dimension. Repeat steps 2 & 3 until the desired depth and shape is achieved.
4. Pat 'cream' onto the eyelid and blend it slightly into the crease colors.
5. Line the upper lashline with a black liquid liner, I used my Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in 'Trooper'.
6. Add mascara and false lashes if you wish.
7. On a thin brush, line the outer half of the lower lashline with 'sienna' and blend it out with a bit of 'orange soda'.
8. Dab a bit of 'cream' onto the browbone and to inner corners of the eyes to serve as a highlight. 
9. Finish the look by filling in the brows, I used my Anastasia Brow Wiz in 'Medium Ash'.

Face
Foundation: Becca Ultimate Coverage Complexion Creme
Concealer: Mac Pro-Longwear
Powder: Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette
Blush: Nars bright pink from the Guy Bourdin palette
Bronzer: Nars 'Laguna'
Highlight: Laura Mercier in 'Highlight 01'

Lips
Balm: Dior Addict Lip Glow in 'pink'

Winter Skin Savers

Photo by Michele Shirley

The cold, blustery, winter weather can stress out the very best of skin, and living in Connecticut, I've seen my fair share of harsh winters. But what happens when moisturizer alone isn't enough? You shouldn't have to deal with irritated, red, dry or dull skin! Great makeup is only as good as the skin that lies underneath, so you need to take care of yours and protect it from stressful conditions. 




Oils
Face oils are a great add on to your beauty routine, especially in the winter time. They add extra hydration and boost radiance while still feeling lightweight and clean. Oils are true multi-taskers and if you choose the right one and apply it correctly, it won't make you greasy. The correct way to apply oil is to put about 3 drops into your hands, then massage your palms together to distribute it. Then press your palms onto your forehead, cheeks and chin and let it absorb. Everyone can wear an oil, it is just a matter of finding the one that works for you. As an example, many people LOVE Josie Maran's Argan oils but they make me break out like crazy! What works for one person might not for another, so take home some samples and figure out what helps your skin feel its best. My two personal favorites are Boscia's Tsubaki Beauty Oil and Fresh's Seaberry Moisturizing Face Oil.

* Boscia's Tsubaki Oil works well with any skin type. It absorbs immediately and leaves zero greasy residue but truly imparts baby-soft skin. I have dry skin and I love it, and friends with oily skin love it for morning and evening use too! It has a pleasant, faint floral smell and helps combat oil, shrink pores and improve fine lines. If you only try one oil, this would be it!

* Fresh's Seaberry Oil is the most hydrating oil I have tried, yet it doesn't weigh down my skin. Sea Buckthorn is its hero ingredient, and it is a very interesting one because it has been used to treat a multitude of skin issues ranging from eczema to severe burns. It soothes, moisturizes and repairs the skin, leaving it healthy and glowing. Being dry skinned, I can wear this in the morning or evening, but those with normal/combo/oily skin will probably only want to wear it at night.

Masks
Masks are my favorite skincare category hands down. I love to use them all year round, whether for clearing toxins, minimizing pores or adding radiance. Masks are great for soothing and hydrating as well. My top three picks are the Glam Glow Thirsty Mud Hydrating Treatment, the Korres Greek Yoghurt Sleeping Facial, and the Boscia Tsubaki Deep Hydration Sleeping Mask. All of these masks are meant to be left on while you sleep, which is great because they can penetrate deeper into your skin, but it also might mean that your pillow could stick to your face (haha). I've never used a silk pillowcase, but one is recommended for treatments like these because they will glide a little bit better against your skin instead of sticking to it.

* Glam Glow is famous for their deep cleaning and anti-aging masks, and they recently added a hydrating mask into their lineup. It is meant to be used overnight to lock in moisture and sooth the skin. It smells absolutely delicious, like cinnamon and sugar, and it leaves your skin feeling silky and hydrated. Just know that this mask stays wet on the surface of the skin, so you might wake up with your hair or bits of fuzz stuck to your face.

* A step up from your nighttime moisturizer, the Korres Greek Yoghurt Sleeping Facial soothes redness and adds proteins, minerals and vitamins to stressed skin leaving the complexion soft and hydrated. It is supposed to be used every so often as a 'facial in a jar' but it is gentle enough to use every night if you wish. Unlike the other two masks, this one will absorb completely into your skin like a moisturizer, so you won't have to worry about it getting onto your pillowcase! I love its subtle scent and soft texture, and I sometimes even use this during the day when I'm feeling extra dry.

* Boscia just released another mask, sure to be a favorite just like their peel-off Luminizing Black Mask. This one is also meant to be left on overnight and promises a smoother surface, smaller pores, a bright glow and hydrated skin. This mask delivers with a subtle flowery scent that is pleasant and not overwhelming. I love how soft it leaves my face and how creamy the mask texture is on my skin. Again, this mask stays wet on the surface of the skin, so you might wake up with your hair or bits of fuzz stuck to your face.


Lip Products
Don't forget about your lips, they get ragged this time of year as well! The best way to combat dry, chapped lips is with a lip scrub and an intensive balm. 

* My favorite lip scrub is by Bite Beauty, it tastes like cherry and it's all natural, made with food-grade fruit butters. 

* When I want a tint, I love my Dior Lip Glow and my Fresh Sugar Lip Balm in 'Rose'. The Dior one changes to a girly pink that suits your individual skin tone, and the Fresh one adds a subtle, natural looking hue. (Dior just added a coral color as well!)

* For intense overnight repair you want to use a product without SPF, and the Fresh Sugar Advanced Therapy balm is the best I've ever tried for deep hydration.

UPDATE: I had written this post before I found this next item, but I wanted to share it because it is better than anything else (even the Fresh Sugar Advanced Therapy) I've ever tried for deep hydration!

* The Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask is incredible! This antioxidant packed treatment is comprised of agave nectar, jojoba oil and vanilla CO2 extract that will intensely hydrate the lips and get rid of cracks or dryness. It's natural, free of gluten and petroleum, and it smells and tastes amazing! It's thick in the tube but it feels like a soothing lip balm once applied, so I like to wear it throughout the day and at night.

Stay warm! 

Kiss-Proof Lips

Looking for a lipstick that will last all night? Here is a list of tried and true budget and luxury lip products that will NOT move (if fact you will probably need makeup remover to get them off), and they're just in time for Valentine's Day!

I'm wearing Make Up For Ever's Aqua Rouge in #10

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Luxury: YSL Rouge Pur Couture Glossy Stain ($35)  -  Budget: Sephora Rouge Infusion ($14)

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Luxury: Bite Cashmere Lip Creme ($28)  -  Budget: Covergirl Outlast All Day Lipcolor ($8)

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Luxury: Make Up For Ever Aqua Rouge ($24)  -  Budget: Revlon ColorStay Overtime ($9)

Happy Valentine's Day!

Feel Good and Look Great!

Tomorrow is the last day to sign up to be photographed by world-famous photographer Laurie Klein, with makeup by myself, and hair by Cynthia Quintanal. Visit Laurie's website to see more of her fabulous work!

Here are a few infrared photographs that Laurie took of me about 6 years ago, she is so much fun to work with, and you will look and feel amazing!

Gradient Lips

I feel like lip colors are the true focus of any traditional Valentine's Day makeup, so I put together four easy and fun lip looks for you all. All four of these looks are completely wearable and won't overwhelm even the most beginner!

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I was playing around in Photoshop and I came up with another version of my first Valentine's photo, and this one includes my two little loves: Gracie Rose and Snowflake! I love you guys, xoxo <3 

Dark Valentine

This is a dark and dramatic take on Valentine's Day makeup that would be perfect with a slinky black dress. It kind of reminds me of a sexy vampire that has an intense sense of style. I kept the lips fairly nude as not to compete with the eyes, but if you like taking risks, feel free to pair it with a deep red shade instead. Would any of you be daring enough to wear this look out?

Eyes
1. Prime the eyes to ensure vibrant, long-lasting crease proof shadow application, I used my Urban Decay Primer Potion.
2. Blend a matte medium brown shade into the crease to create a framework for the rest of the colors.
3. Blend a matte burgundy shadow over the brown to add depth and color.
4. Pat a bright red shade onto the first half of the eyelid and softly blend it into the other colors. Red eyeshadow is really hard to find, so feel free to use a red blush.
5. Deepen the outer corner by softly blending in some dark burgundy and a little bit of black shadow.
6. Line the eyes with a black pencil and smudge it out until it looks soft and smokey. Add mascara and false lashes if you wish, I didn't use any lashes for this look because I wanted the shadow to really stand out.
7. Highlight the browbone with a matte off-white color to lift the eyes and separate some of the darkness. 
8. Line the waterline with a black pencil and smudge out the bottom lashline with some red and black eyeshadow.
9. Finish the look by filling in the brows, I used my Anastasia Brow Wiz in 'Medium Ash'.


Face
Primer: Becca Resurfacing Primer
Foundation: Becca Ultimate Coverage Complexion Creme
Concealer: Mac Pro-Longwear
Powder: Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in 'Ethereal'
Blush: Nars darkest color in Guy Bourdin Palette topped with Becca Pressed Shimmering Skin Perfector in 'Rose Gold'
Bronzer: Nars 'Laguna'
Highlight: Becca Pressed Shimmering Skin Perfector in 'Opal'


Lips
Lipliner: Palladio Retractable Lipliner in 'Raisin'
Lipstick: Mac 'Modesty'

Hot Pink + Glitter = Valentine's Day

This is a look for those of you who like to be a little daring with your makeup and want to try something different this Valentine's Day. It is super girly and fun, with bright pops of silver glitter and long, fluttery lashes. Even though pink is sometimes considered a don't on the eyes, I really love wearing shades of hot pink, and I think it can be quite flattering, especially on brown eyes, if done correctly. 

Eyes
1. Prime the eyes to ensure vibrant, long-lasting, crease proof shadow application, I used my Urban Decay Primer Potion.
2. Lay down a cream or pencil base in a light pink or white. I used  a light pink cream shadow stick from Laura Mercier.
3. Place a light pink shadow all over the lid and into the crease. I actually used a hot pink blush that came in the Nars Guy Bourdin palette.
4. Blend a darker, hot pink shade into the crease and towards the center of the eye. I used the color 'Noise' from the Urban Decay Vice Palette.
5. Line the upper lashline with a black liquid liner and wing out the edge into a cat-eye shape, I used my Kat Von D Tattoo liner in 'Trooper'. You can also draw on a little heart with the same liquid liner.
6. Line the waterline with a royal purple pencil and smudge the hot pink shadow into the lower lashline to blend everything together.
7. Place silver glitter onto the inner corners of the top and bottom of the eyes, I used my Sephora Glitter Liner & Mascara in 'Sassy Silver'.
8. Add mascara and false lashes for a girly, flirty feel.
9. Fill in any sparse areas within the brows to finish the look, I used my Anastasia Brow Wiz in 'Medium Ash'.

Face
Primer: Becca Resurfacing Primer
Foundation: Becca Ultimate Coverage Complexion Creme
Concealer: Mac Pro-Longwear
Powder: Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette
Blush: Nars bright pink from the Guy Bourdin palette
Bronzer: Nars 'Laguna'
Highlight: Laura Mercier in 'Highlight 01'

Lips
Lip Color: Becca Beach Tint in 'Lychee'
Lip Balm: Maybelline Baby Lips in 'Pink Punch'

Editorial Makeup

During yesterday's snowstorm I decided to create a fun, editorial inspired makeup look. Even though I do beauty makeup on a day-to-day basis, I love creating completely unwearable, aesthetically driven looks as well. I had an idea in my head of what I wanted and it came out pretty much how I pictured it. It was a ton of fun to do, but not that fun to clean off, as the hair was done with a mix of flour, water and baby powder! Even though this isn't a tutorial, I figured some of you would be interested to see the products that I used. 



They included Nars Sheer Glow in 'Siberia' mixed with white Illamasqua Skinbase, Chanel Soleil de Tan, Nars blushes, Becca Beach Tints in Guava and Lychee, plus Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector, Graftobian Glamour Creams and some Make Up For Ever Flash Palette.

Here are a two of my past favorite editorial-style looks:

More Valentine's Day looks coming soon!

Candy Hearts

I put together a soft, romantic look for a different take on Valentine's Day makeup. It would look perfect with a flirty pink dress or with a casual jeans and t-shirt combo. I have a bunch of Valentine's tutorials planned for you guys this week, so keep an eye out!

Eyes
1. Prime the lids to ensure long lasting, crease proof, intense color payoff. I used my Urban Decay Primer Potion.
2. Draw a light pink base onto the whole lid to intensify the colors of the shadows that will go overtop. I used a Caviar Stick by Laura Mercier, but I believe the color was limited edition.
3. Pat a light pink shadow all over the lid, concentrating the most color in the center.
4. Place a shimmery cream color on the inner corners of the eyes to open them up.
5. Lightly blend a purple/taupe shade into the crease to add depth and definition.
6. Add black liquid liner to the top lashline. I used my Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in 'Trooper'.
7. Add mascara and false lashes if you choose. I think lashes make this look fun and flirty.
8. Place a bit of a shimmery cream color on the inner corners of the bottom lashline and draw a purple pencil along the outer half before setting it with a vibrant purple shadow.
9. 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: Nars Guy Bourdin Blush Palette, hot pink shade.
Bronzer: Nars Laguna
Highlight: Laura Mercier in 'Highlight 01'

Lips
Lipstick: YSL Rouge Volupte Shine #5