The Best Universally Flattering Red Lipstick

Red lipstick... it's a classic, but sometimes the color choices can be overwhelming. The best place to start is with a raspberry red, something that leans more blue than orange. Raspberry reds are universally flattering and easy to dress up or down. My favorite is 'Drench' by Illamasqua.

My other favorite (and a more long wearing alternative) is the Make Up For Ever Aqua Rouge in #8 and/or #10. They are almost the same shade and will last you through breakfast, lunch and dinner!

What is your favorite red lipstick?

Skincare Saturdays - Recent Empties

I am starting a new segment on my blog, Skincare Saturdays! Each Saturday will be a mini skincare tip or product recommendation, so let me know some of your skincare concerns. I thought I'd start off the first installment with some thoughts about products I have recently finished up.

 
Neutrogena Oil-Free Pink Grape Fruit Acne Wash
I kept this face wash in the shower and was pleased with its scent and the way it made my skin feel fresh without stripping it of moisture. It contains salicylic acid which helps promote cell turnover; fighting breakouts and maintaining glowing skin.

Fresh Sugar Face Polish
I love, love, love this face polish! I only had a small jar of this but enjoyed every use. Sugar is a natural humectant which means it it will draw moisture to your skin and keep it there. It also is a gentle exfoliator so my skin was glowy and smelled delicious after every use. I highly recommend this product and will absolutely repurchase!

Origins GinZing Moisturizer
I have used this moisturizer on and off for a few years now and have probably gone through 3 jars. It has a lightweight texture that is perfect for any skin type as it provides beautiful hydration without getting greasy. It has a light citrus scent which is pleasant, invigorating and not at all overwhelming. I use this a lot on my clients as well because it performs beautifully under any foundation. My favorite moisturizer is still the Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve, but I would certainly never turn down another jar of this one!

Caudalie Cleansing Water
This cleansing water was gentle while still breaking up heavy makeup. I would use it on a cotton round, wash my face, then use another around my eyes to get off leftover mascara and eyeliner. I did notice that my skin had more oils the days after I used this.

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What are some skincare items that you have recently finishied? Would you purchase them again? And please leave me comments for future Skincare Saturday posts!

 

Becca Backlight Priming Filter Review

Here is a quick review on the Becca Backlight Priming Filter! Stick around and watch the video to hear why I love it and who I think it is best suited for!

Behind the Scenes at New York Fashion Week

I just got back from a whirlwind of a time in New York doing makeup for Couture and Style Fashion Week. I went as part of the Voodoo Makeup team which is a brand based out of New Orleans. Their makeup is gluten, corn and soy free which makes it suitable for sensitive skin. I participated in 3 days of shows and got to do some really fun makeup, including a look on 'Miss Asia' Anna Kile.

Check out the links here:
Couture Fashion Week
Style Fashion Week

Best Concealer for Dry or Mature Skin

Here is a quick review on the Givenchy 'Mister Light, Light Correcting Concealer'. It is a great concealer for dry or mature skin, or for anyone looking for a creamy, smooth and blendable concealer.

EYES//
Benefit Stay Don't Stray Primer
Anastasia Beverly Hills Eyeshadows (Blanc, Birkin, Cool Brown)
Kat Von D Tattoo Liner
Guerlain Maxi Lash Mascara
Kiss Demi Wispies
Anastasia Brow Wiz (Medium Brown)

FACE//
Becca Backlight Priming Filter
Make Up Forever Face & Body Foundation
Nars Sheer Glow Foundation
Mac Pro-Longwear Concealer + Givenchy Mister Light
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder (Ethereal, Dim & Incandescent)
Make Up For Ever Pro Bronze Fusion
Nars Blush (Goulue)
Jouer Cream Highlighter (Camellia)
Becca Liquid Shimmering Skin Perfector (Pearl)

LIPS//
Palladio Herbal Lipliner (Naked)
Anastasia Beverly Hills Lipgloss (Undressed, Dainty)

 

Hot Pink Valentine's Makeup

Here is a bright and fun look perfect for anyone who is not afraid to go bold this Valentine's Day! I used neon pressed pigments and a red liquid lipstick as eyeliner to achieve this electric combo. Click on the video link to watch the tutorial and check out the items used listed below!

EYES//
Benefit Stay Don't Stray Primer
NYX Jumbo Pencil (Milk)
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder (Ethereal)
Urban Decay Electric Palette (Savage & Urban)
NYX Jumbo Pencil: Milk
Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick (Beso)
Kat Von D Tattoo Liner: Trooper
Guerlain Maxi Lash Mascara
Kiss Demi Wispies False Lashes
Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliner (Vice)
Urban Decay Heavy Metal Glitter (Junkshow)
Anastasia Brow Wiz: Medium Brown

FACE//
Becca Backlight Priming Filter
Make Up Forever Face & Body Foundation
Nars Sheer Glow Foundation
Becca Under Eye Brightening Corrector
Mac Pro-Longwear Concealer
Mac Careblend Pressed Powder
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder: (Ethereal, & Dim)
Make Up For Ever Pro Bronze Fusion
Hard Candy Baked Blush: Living Doll
Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed (Pearl)

LIPS//
Dior Lip Glow: (pink)
Sephora Nano Lip Liner: (Pin Up Pink)

 

Valentine's Day Soft Smokey Eye

Here is an easy tutorial on how to create a softly smokey eye that is perfect for Valentine's Day or any special occasion. With hints of pink and shimmer, it is sure to win over your heart!

Click here to watch the tutorial on YouTube!







EYES//
Benefit Stay Don't Stray Primer
Stila 'Eyes Are the Window' Eyeshadow Palette: Light Brown
Bobbi Brown Eyeshadow: Taupe
NYX Jumbo Pencil: Milk
Too Faced 'A Few of My Favorite Things Palette': matte light pink
Nars Dual Intensity Eyeshadow: Cassiopeia
Stila Magnificent Metals Glitter: Pixie Dust
Kat Von D Tattoo Liner: Trooper
Guerlain Maxi Lash Mascara
Kiss Demi Wispies False Lashes
Anastasia Brow Wiz: Medium Brown

FACE//
Becca Backlight Priming Filter
Make Up Forever Face & Body Foundation
Nars Sheer Glow Foundation
Becca Under Eye Brightening Corrector
Mac Pro-Longwear Concealer
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder: Ethereal, Dim & Incandescent
Make Up For Ever Pro Bronze Fusion
Hard Candy Baked Blush: Living Doll
Laura Mercier Baked Highlighter: #01

LIPS//
Dior Lip Glow: pink
Sephora Nano Lip Liner: Pin Up Pink