Sultry Valentine's Day Makeup with 'Adore Me' Lingerie

Valentines Day is less than a month away, and nothing makes me feel sexier than some pretty makeup and romantic lingerie! Being a huge fan of silky, satiny, lacy things, I was super excited when Adore Me reached out about a collaboration. I created this sultry makeup that is perfect for Valentine's Day and goes beautifully with five of my favorite Adore Me intimate styles. Make sure to take their fun quiz to find your perfect style and get custom curated selections, and check out their adorable bra's & panties page.

L to R: Courtney set, Daphne, Uniqula set, Brenna set

Adore Me also has a vast collection curated specifically for Valentines Day, so give it a peek here if you are on the hunt for something exceptionally sweet or spicy. 

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My Top Five Picks

The Rory

I love the mesh detailing of this set, it's sexy without being super revealing, and the halter neckline is trendy and flattering. It lacks underwire which will make it super comfy to lounge in, but it's lightly padded for a streamlined look. I would also wear it as crop top under a pair of loose overalls.

The Harriet

Balconette styles have always been one of my personal favorites, and this design is a cut above the rest with beautiful scalloped panels and a delicate push-up silhouette. The delicate double straps and stitch-work ooze femininity.

The Noreh

I immediately fell in love with the rich, sultry colors of this set; the purples and burgundies made me want to curl up in a warm, fuzzy blanket to escape the winter chill. I love the how the bra's long-lined silhouette is a nod to vintage glamour, while the cut of the panties keep it modern.

The Cate

The criss-cross design of this set is extremely playful, and the peekaboo cutouts give it an extra dose of flirty-ness. The low neckline and backless nature of this bra makes it perfect to wear under your favorite party dress!

The Alessandra

I love bralettes for their comfort and subdued level of sexiness. The floral detailing of this set just adds to the innocence that the white lace suggests. Being a bit demure and coy never looked so good!

 

 Perfectly Sultry Makeup
 

Eyes
1. Prime the lids to ensure long lasting color and prevent creasing, I used Benefit 'Stay Don't Stray'
2. Blend a pale orange into the crease with a fluffy brush and then deepen it with a darker burnt orange shade. I used Anastasia Beverly Hills 'orange soda' and 'sienna'.
3. Pat a bright red shade onto the lid, I used one from Inglot.
4. Lightly blend a dark purple eye shadow into the outer crease, I used one from Ben Nye.
5. Using a damp brush, pat a rose gold glitter onto the center of the lid. I used Inglot AMC Pure Pigment Eyeshadow #50.
6. Draw on a cat winged liner and add mascara, I used a gel liner from Maybelline and slightly smudged the top edges.
7. Define the outer edge of the lower lashline with a berry liner, I used my smudge stick in 'deep burgundy' by Stila.
8. Take any pale shadow to create a brow highlight, effectively adding separation to the eye look.
9. Fill in the brows to complete the look, I used Too Faced BulletProof Brows in 'Universal Brunette' and Make Up For Ever Brow Seal clear gel.

Face
Moisturizer/Primer: Sonia Roselli's Waterbalm (this stuff is amazing!)
Foundation: Koh Gen Do Aqua + Make Up For Ever Face & Body
Powder: Kett Set & Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in 'Diffused'
Blush: Nars 'Goulue'
Bronzer: Too Faced Chocolate Soleil
Highlight: Laura Mercier Baked #01 + Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector 'Pearl' 

Lips
Liner: Palladio Herbal Lip Liner in 'Nearly Nude'
Lipstick: Mac 'Modesty' + "Creamcup' + 'Angel'
Gloss: Laura Mercier in 'Sparkling'

Make sure to check out Adore Me on instagram, and visit their website to take a quiz that will reveal your perfect lingerie style!

What is your favorite style for Valentine's Day?

Long Lasting Wedding Makeup

I just want to start off this post by saying that these photos were taken after 10 hours of wear with no touch-ups except for the lips. TEN HOURS!!! If that blows your mind (I was shocked too) then read on to find out my favorite products to maximize the longevity of any makeup.

Wedding makeup comprises most of my business, so it is something that I am always experimenting with to be able to achieve as much perfection as possible! It is important to me that the makeup looks smooth and natural in person while still translating well in photographs. It needs to last through the day into the night and be sweat proof, cry proof and smudge proof while still being comfortable to wear. I recently visited Alcone in NYC and picked up a few items to test out, and when I combined them with my existing bridal routine I was astounded!

Bullet-Proof Makeup Buys:

Sonia Roselli SexApeel 
Skin prep is so important to achieve great makeup results. You will literally be able to see the dead, dry skin wipe off your face with this peel, thereby allowing the makeup to adhere to healthy, fresh skin. It is easy enough to do before any makeup application on yourself or a client, and it won't irritate your skin!

Sonia Roselli Waterbalm
This product has irrevocably changed my makeup life personally and professionally! It is a moisturizer, serum, eye cream and primer all in one (yes for real) and it hydrates even the most parched of skins without making you greasy or slick. It creates such a smooth canvas for makeup and it plays nice under every foundation (silicone & water base) that I've tried.

Makeup International SuperMatte Anti Shine
This little guy is worth his weight in gold because I feel like it almost physically prevents sweat and oil from forming on the surface of the skin! That may sound a little intense, but for bridal makeup it's exactly what you need. Just smooth a tiny bit over the t-zone and wait for it to dry before applying foundation.

Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation
I've been using this foundation since the summer time and it is dreamy! It's smoothing and hydrating and seriously long-lasting. The coverage is around medium with a very lightweight feel. It blends out perfectly has has a good range of undertones for fair skin but unfortunately lacks colors for medium to deep skin. I normally have issues with foundations rubbing off of my nose and mouth area (I always need a tissue) but this one stays put without clogging my pores!

Kryolan Dermacolor Concealer
Dermacolor concealer is and oldie but a goodie, offering amazing pigmentation and coverage plus long lasting performance. It's wonderful for covering blemishes, hyper-pigmentation, tattoos and can easily be used under the eyes with a light hand. It comes in individual pans, mini palettes and large palettes with a plethora of shades and undertones to choose from. Kryolan has been around since 1945 and is not going anywhere, so check out their brand if you're a newbie! 

Kett Sett Loose Powder
Kett loose powder is another workhorse. It is talc based and creates a smooth, budge-proof finish. Use a puff to press & roll the powder into the skin for the longest lasting result. But be wary, you only need to use a small amount or you will end up with an unattractive white haze across your visage.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder 
This powder is an old favorite and I love it for setting my under-eyes because of its smoothing properties. I use the shades 'Ethereal' or 'Diffused' because they are wonderful for brightening and they keep the concealer set without looking heavy.

Blue Marble Sealer
I've tried numerous setting sprays, Urban Decay, Make Up For Ever, Skindinavia, you name it. They helped but none of them were ever 'perfect'. Enter this gem, it creates a 'film-forming' barrier to lock the makeup in place and prevent humidity, sweat and tears from taking their toll. I will be repurchasing this spray again and again because it is bulletproof; Ben Nye Final Seal is the only other setting spray that has come close.

Other Makeup Details:

Nars Dual Intensity Eyeshadow in 'Himalia'

Kiss False Eyelashes in 'Demi Wispies'

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz in 'Medium Brown'

Make Up For Ever Brow Seal

Laura Mercier Baked Highlight in #01

Smashbox blush (discontinued)

Too Faced Chocolate Bronzer

Palladio Lip Liner in 'Raspberry'

Mac Lipstick in 'Angel'

Dior Lip Glow in 'Pink'

Lavender Glitter Eyes

It's always great when your client let's you do any makeup look of your choice and gives you no rules or restrictions. That is the way I came up with this look for Bethany and I couldn't be happier with it. She was attending a concert and just wanted to look great with a little bit of an edge. I mixed lavenders, greys and blacks and topped the look with fine glitter to make her eyes pop. Keep reading to hear the products and learn how to get the look!

Eyes
1. Prime the eyes to ensure long lasting, crease-less performance. I used Benefit Stay Don't Stray because it also neutralizes any discoloration.
2. Smudge a taupe or soft grey pencil along the lash-line and blend it up onto the eyelid to serve as a subtle tinted base.
3. Apply a soft lavender shadow to the eyelid and blend it up into the socket. I used a mix of shadows from Jane Iredale and Stila.
4. Smudge a soft black pencil onto the outer third of the eyes and blend it upwards towards the crease.
5. Pat and blend plum/black shadow over the top of the pencil to get rid of any harsh lines.
6. Tap glitter onto the center of the eye using your ring finger; I used Make Up For Ever Diamond Powder #13.
7. Draw a super thin line using a black liquid liner along the top lash-line and add false lashes; I used a long wispie style by Kiss.
8. Blend plum/black and grey shadows together to define the outer portion of the lower lash-line, and use a shimmery champagne to highlight the inner corners.
9. Finish by gently filling in the brows using individual hair-strokes for a natural look, then set with clear brow gel.

Face
Prep: Sonia Roselli's Water Balm (this stuff is heaven-sent)
Foundation: Koh Gen Do Aqua
Concealer: Amazing Cosmetics
Powder: Kett Sett Loose & Hourglass Ambient in 'Diffused'
Blush: Smashbox rose-toned color
Bronzer: Hourglass Ambient in 'Dim'
Highlight: Becca 'Pearl'

Lips
Balm: Fresh 'Sugar Nude'
Gloss: Guerlain Kiss Kiss Gloss #800

What is your favorite go-to look for a night out?

Natural Glam on Fitness Expert Lacy Dononvan

Lacy and I met on instagram after she started following my makeup work, and I loved that she was a Connecticut small business owner like myself! We teamed up for a collaborative photo shoot in her gym space in Waterford, called Lion Fitness. Check out Lacy's bio below to learn more about what she does; and insider tip, sign up for her meal plan if you've been thinking of becoming more health-conscious, everything Lacy prepares looks deliciously amazing! 

Lacy Donovan is an ACE Certified Personal Trainer and a proud mother of two. She fell into this new career through her love of exercise and commitment to healthy living. She runs a private studio gym from her home in Waterford, CT. In the short year she has been in business she has helped countless people achieve there weight loss and fitness goals. Through her personal training she also started meal prepping for clients, which turned into another home-based business for Lacy called, G.E.T. Guiltless Eating To-Go. She prepares healthy, gluten-free, low carb, high protein individually packaged meals for anyone looking to eat clean and healthy. It is her mission to show clients it doesn't have to be depriving to live a healthy lifestyle. You can workout, eat delicious foods and still achieve all your physical fitness goals!

Eyes
1. Benefit Stay Don't Stray Primer
2. Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette for shadow and lower lashline
3. Winged liner with black shadow on an angled brush
4. Ardell Demi Wispies
5. Anastasia Brow Wiz
 
Face
Foundation: Make Up For Ever Face & Body
Concealer: Mac Pro-Longwear & Kryolan Dermacolor
Powder: Hourglass Ambient Powder in 'Diffussed' & Kett Sett
Bronzer: Chanel Tan de Soleil
Blush: Nars Goulue
Highlight: Becca Moonstone & Opal

Lips
Lipstick: Mac 'Modesty'
Lipgloss: Laura Mercier 'Sparkling'

WEBSITE: www.lionfitnessllc.com

INSTAGRAM: @lacydonovan

Purple and Gold Smoked Eyes

This look is based around a smokey gold lid with a pop of color for the lower lashline. You can change the bottom to any bright color that you would like, blues, emeralds and even deep pinks will look great! The trick to this kind of look is to make sure you heavily blend out the lower lashline to prevent it from looking harsh; the smokier, the better! Keep everything else on the face simple for a balanced aesthetic.

1. Prime your eyelids to prevent creasing and ensure long lasting color payoff. I used Benefit Stay Don't Stray.
2. Blend a matte light orange shadow through the entire length of the crease as your transition shade.
3. Pack a small, flat brush with gold shadow and press it into the lid. You can also top this section with gold glitter. My shadow was from a discontinued Too Faced palette.
4. Blend a dark brown shadow into the outer third of the lid and take a little bit of the color into the crease.
5. Use a purple pencil and smudge the color along the waterline and lower lashline before blending it out and setting with a matching eyeshadow. I used 'Vice' by Urban Decay.
6. Highlight the inner corner with a bright, shimmery champagne color of your choice.
7. Draw a thin line on the top lid using black liquid liner to hide the false lash band. Then apply lashes; I used Kiss Demi Wispies.
8. Highlight the brow bone for separation with a matte cream colored eyeshadow.
9. Fill in and set the brows to finish the look. I used the Too Faced Bulletproof Brows in 'Brunette' and the Anastasia Tinted Brow Gel in 'Caramel'.

How would you try this smokey look?

Romantic Bridal Makeup

Wedding season is in full swing! Here is a classic bridal look that is always super flattering and popular. It is also perfect for any special occasion due to it's soft elegance and ability to suit anyone.
 

Eyes
1. Prime the eyes to prevent creasing and ensure long lasting color payoff, I used Mac paintpot in 'painterly'.
2. Dust a cream or nude colored shadow all over the lid and up to the brow bone.
3. With a fluffy brush, blend a soft neutral brown into the crease and outer corner of the eyes.
4. Apply black liquid liner in a wing to the eyelid, then trace over it with a tiny bit of black eyeshadow to blur out and soften the edges of the line for a romantic effect.
5. Smudge brown liner along the lower lashline and set it with a warm brown shadow.
6. Line the lower waterline (inner rim) with a nude pencil, I used a flesh toned twist up one from Rimmel.
7. Fill in the brows to add definition, I used an eyeshadow around the same tone as Hannah's natural brow color.

Face
Foundation: Illamasqua Skinbase
Concealer: Mac Pro-Longwear
Powder: Hourglass Ambient Powders
Bronzer: Too Faced Chocolate Soleil
Blush: Make Up For Ever HD Blush #210
Highlight: Laura Mercier Baked Radiance #01

Lips
Liner: Palladio Herbal Lipliner 'Raspberry'
Lipstick: Buxom 'Mistress' & Mac 'Angel'
Gloss: Laura Mercier Lip Glace 'Bare Pink' 

Hair by Rachel Toussaint

The Best Longwear & Dewy Blush

Today I wanted to share my favorite way to get long-wearing blush! This technique allows you to achieve a dewy and skin-like finish for the perfect, natural, flushed look. This is the only way that I wear blush now, and it lasts me up to 10 hours! This technique is suitable for dry, normal and slightly combination skin; (if you get very oily on your cheeks I would recommend setting it with a powder blush). Make sure to watch the video tutorial at the end!

I use the Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte Shine lipsticks for this technique, as I find that they work the best. They were already my absolute favorite lipsticks, and were pretty much the only formula that I used on myself (besides the amazing Dior LipGlow). At $37 for a tube, they are a little easier to swallow when used as a lipstick and a blush, plus they'll last you forever! They are by far the best and longest lasting 'cream blush' that I've ever tried and don't break out my sensitive skin like many other cream blushes do. 

Step 1: Run a few strokes of the lipstick onto the back of your hand. You want this to serve as your palette to warm up the product.
Step 2: Use fluffy brush and work the lipstick into the bristles by running over the stroke marks on the back of your hand. You want to create a stain inside the bristles, not just have the lipstick sitting on top. The pink brush in this Real Techniques trio is my favorite for applying cream blush and you get 3 brushes for $18!
Step 3: Use circular motions to lightly stamp and buff the color onto your cheeks. Build it up slowly because it will stain your cheeks wherever you place it. Now you have fresh, long lasting blush!

 Watch the tutorial!

Here are a few drugstore alternatives, I haven't tested the 'blush wear time' on these, but they have a similar texture and formula!

Maybelline Baby Lips
Maybelline Color Whisper
L'Oreal Color Caresse
Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm
Revlon Color Burst Lip Butter 

Would you ever wear lipstick as blush? Comment with your favorites!
 

Sexy Messy Eyes

I am a huge fan of slightly disheveled looks. I love when makeup and hair looks lived-in and worn, it seems more realistic and there's something sexy about being 'perfectly imperfect'. I wanted to do a twist on the smokey eye, so I made the lower lash line really smudgey and dark. I also used a mix of formulas on the lid to create an interesting finish and texture. You can do this with any color, but I chose this dusty purple to complement Liz's eyes. Hair by Greta Wagner.

Smokey Eye Steps

1. With a rounded brush (I like the domed shadow brush from this set) smudge the cream shadow over the eyelid and along the lower lash line. Feather the edges as you blend and bring the product fairly high into the eye socket.
2. Take a black kohl liner and line the inner rim of the eyes and smudge it into the cream pigment in the lower lash line. You can also pick some of the black kohl on the same brush and blend it into the inner and outer corners of the eyelid to add dimension.
3. Dab a light purple glitter to the center of the lid to add texture and a 'wetness' to the look.
4. Add multiple coats of thick, black mascara to the top and bottom lashes, a little bit of clumpiness towards the root will actually add to this look.

Becca Backlight Priming Filter
Becca Aqua Luminous Foundation in 'Fair'
Jouer Cream Highlights in 'Camellia' & 'Champagne'
Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector (liquid) in 'Pearl'
Illamasqua Cream Eyeshadow in 'Command'
Make Up For Ever Diamond Powder in 'Baby Mauve #14'
Guerlain Khol Me Kajal Liner
Bobbi Brown Extreme Party Mascara
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Gel in 'Caramel'
Fresh Sugar Lip Balm in 'Rose'
Not Your Mother's Sea Salt Spray

Would you try this 'grungy' version of a smokey eye?

 

Classic Hollywood Red Lip

Every woman wants to master the classic Hollywood, cherry red lip. Along with the 'cat eye' it is a staple look for any makeup lover and can make you look chic in any circumstance. The trick for a luscious and succulent red lip that draws you in is to use more than one shade of red. When you use a deeper shade along the perimeter of the mouth and a brighter shade in the center, it will make the lips appear plump and made up by a professional. Lindsay already had perfect lips to begin with, but read on if you would like to see what products I used to get the look; and p.s. one of the lipsticks is a drugstore purchase!

STEPS FOR PERFECT RED LIPS
1. Make sure your lips are hydrated and smooth. You can use a damp toothbrush and brown sugar to do some gentle last-minute exfoliation.
2. Line your lips with a red lip liner and make sure to keep all of the edges sharp. Soon I will be doing an entire post on how to properly line your lips!
3. With a lip brush, paint on the darker shade of red lipstick concentrating it around the perimeter of the mouth.
4. With a lip brush, paint on the brighter shade of red lipstick concentrating it in the center of the mouth.

PRODUCTS USED

Eyes
1. Prime the eyes to prevent creasing and ensure long-lasting color, I used Benefit Stay Don't Stray.
2. Apply a matte nude shadow to the entire eyelid and up to the brow bone.
3. Lightly blend a matte caramel brown into the outer corner corner and crease of the eye.
4. With an angled brush, blend a dark ashy brown onto the lash line as eyeliner.
5. Add mascara and false lashes, I used the Kiss Demi Wispies.
6. Softly fill in the brows to finish the look, I used the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz in 'Taupe'.

Face
Foundation: Make Up For Ever Face & Body & Graftobian Glamour Cremes
Concealer: Mac Pro Longwear
Powder: Hourglass Ambient Powders (Dim, Ethereal, Diffused)
Blush: Make Up For Ever HD Cream Blush #210
Highlight: Jouer Cream Highlight (Champagne) & Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector (Pearl)

Lips 
Lipliner: Palladio Herbal Lipliner in 'Red Rose'
Lipstick: Bite 'Tannin' & Revlon 'Love That Red'

 
My favorite deep red is 'Tannin' by Bite. It is incredibly creamy and hydrating and will add depth to any lip look. My top favorite bright red lipstick is 'Love That Red' by Revlon. It's been in production since the 1951 so you know you will be getting that classic red look! Here is a list I found online of other vintage Revlon shades that you can still purchase today!

What is your favorite red lipstick?

Strong Winged Liner and Orange Lips

Bold makeup is always fun to create and look at. Here I paired an intense cat eye with a bright orange lip. To make this look more wearable, you can choose to try out one of the features on its own or just soften the makeup as a whole. It's important to keep the skin looking fresh and youthful with such a heavy look, so I picked a lightweight foundation and highlighted the skin for added dimension.

PRODUCT LIST:

1. Becca Backlight Priming Filter

2. Becca Aqua Luminous Perfecting Foundation

3. Givenchy Mister Light Corrective Pen

4. Becca Liquid Shimmering Skin Perfectors in 'Moonstone' & 'Pearl'

5. Make Up For Ever Brow Seal (the absolute best brow gel ever)

6. Make Up For Ever HD Cream Blush in #210 & #225

7. Givenchy Liner Couture Precision Felt Tip Pen

8. Maybelline Color Sensational Vivid Lipstick in 'Electric Orange'

What is the boldest look that you have tried?