Category: Uncategorized

The Influencers Have Brought Back My Makeup Game: DesixKaty and Jaclyn Hill Palette

.Reading time 2 minutes.

 

IMG_5945

After a bit of a hiatus, I’m back and happy to get out of my makeup rut with two super collabs from Dose of Colors DesixKaty collection (Youtubes: Desi Perkins and Lustrelux) and JaclynHillxMorphe Eyeshadow Palette (Youtube: Jaclyn Hill).

I did grab a ton from the DesixKaty collab and most of the collection worked beautifully, I especially love the liquid lipstick in Hot Fire, Fuego Highlighter and The Girls palette. But the lipsticks in No Shade and More Creamer Please, are a bit tough to pull off on my pale princess skin. They can definitely be mixed though if you want a bit of a more yellow undertone. Just wanted to give a little mini breakdown, see below for all the look deets!

IMG_5943

Foundation: Tarte Amazonian Clay Foundation in Fair Sand $39

Concealer: Tarte Shape Tape Concealer in Fair Neutral  $25

Powder: Cover FX Perfect Setting Powder in Light Medium $35

Brows: Benefit kaBrow! in 4 $24

Eyeshadows:

Jaclyn Hill x Morphe Palette $38 and Dose of Colors DesixKaty The Girls Palette $28 (follow both brands and the girls as these come back in stock soon!) Noted as JH (for Jaclyn Hill Palette) and DxK (for DesixKaty products)

  • Crease:
    1. M.F.E.O (JH)
    2. Huntz (JH)
  • Outer and Inner lid:
    • Cranapple (JH)
  • Lid:
    • Turbosan (DxK)
  • Outer crease and Outer v:
    • Jacz (JH)
  • Browbone:
    • Beam (JH)
  • Inner Corner:
    • Suz (apply wet) (DxK)
  • Lower lashline:
    • Cranapple, on the inner and outer thirds (JH)
    • Twerk, in the center (JH)

Lashes: Ardell Double Up Wispies $5.49

Eyeliner: NYX Slide On Eye Pencil in Black $7.99

Blush: Milani Rose D’Oro Baked Blush $7.49

Highlight: DesixKaty Fuego $28 (this looks beautiful on pale skin, not too dark if you are on the fair side and worried!)

Lips:

 

 

 

 

Cruelty Free Makeup Look and Top Animal Friendly Brands and Products

.Reading time 5 minutes.

IMG_4736

I’m back everyone! Sorry it’s been so long since I have posted, but work and life have gotten in the way as of late. I wanted my next post to be meaningful, and not just a summer makeup post (no worries, those will be coming!).

So with that, my best friend is in the process of going vegetarian and is transferring all of her makeup to cruelty free brands, which is something I would love to do as well soon. So I wanted to make a post about both high end and affordable brands who are CF (cruelty free)  and V (vegan), and some of my favorite products. I also created a full face makeup look. So, take your step to saving the fur children and read below.

PS, note that many parent brands for example L’Oreal, who tests on animals, own cruelty free brands such as NYX, so that could be an ethics issue for some. (I’ve put a * next to these brands) Doing research is key, and apps such as Cruelty Cutter, can help when shopping. Also, not all of my posts from here on out will feature only CF and V brands/products, but I am looking to make the shift over the next few months.

Cruelty Free Makeup Brands

*Look for the cruelty free label on most brand’s websites or in their about me/FAQ section.

**Additionally, I’ve only listed brands I personally have used below. I will be testing more brands soon.

Favorite blog: Cruelty Free Kitty

Favorite Youtuber:  Carli Bybel 

My Favorite Cruelty Free Products:

High End

Affordable Makeup

Makeup Look:

IMG_4768IMG_4769

Primer: Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Primer (V)

Foundation: Too Faced Born this Way Foundation in Snow (V)

Concealer: Tarte Shape Tape Concealer in Fair (V)

Powder: Cover FX Perfect Setting Powder in Light Medium (V)

Brows: NYX Micro Brow Pencil in Chocolate (CF). Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel (CF).

Bronzer: Colourpop Skinny Dip (CF) (discontinued, I like the Physicians Formula bronzers as listed above for all my fellow pale gals)

Blush: Milani Berry Amore Baked Blush

Eyeshadows: All Too Faced Natural Love Ultimate Neutral Eyeshadow Palette (CF) (read Temptalia’s review for an in-depth review of each shade)

  • Crease: Lace Teddy and Nudie
  • Outer crease: Makeup & Chill
  • Lid: Tickle Me (all over), Push-Up (mid to outer lid), Love Bug (inner lid) Kittens (center)
  • Outer V: Undercover
  • Lower lashline: Love Bug, Coffee Date and Undercover
  • Browbone: Heaven

Mascara: Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara (CF)

Lashes: Ardell Studio Effects Demi Wispies (CF)

Liquid Liner: NYX Matte Liquid Liner (CF)

Blush: Milani Berry Amore Baked Blush (CF)

Highlighter: Wet n Wild MegaGlo Highlighting Powder in Precious Petals (CF) (also used for my inner corner highlight)

Lip liner: Kat Von D Everlasting Lip Liner in Lolita (V)

Lipstick: Too Faced Melted Matte Liquid Lipstick in Suck It (CF)

Setting Spray: Kat Von D Lock-It Setting Mist (V)

 

 

Trend Report: Best Spring Fashion Finds

.Reading time 2 minutes.

IMG_4499

Wearing:

Bodysuit:  Gray Back Down Bodysuit $28.90

Skirt: ASOS (few years ago)

Shoes: Dolce Vita (also few years ago) will update similar options soon!

Hi everyone! So spring is finally here even though the weather doesn’t quite feel like it in New Jersey, but I am already thinking about my spring wardrobe. I’ve put a list below of some of my favorite trends this year: florals with a twist in muted styles like the bodysuit I’m wearing above or vintage red rose designs, black and white pieces that are anything but boring, and feminine ruffles I’d wear with leather accents or a distressed denim to edge them up. Read below for all the looks and to see more looks on how I styled the body suit above, I’ve put more pictures below :).

IMG_4505


Muted Flowers and Rose Accents

American Eagle AEO Off the Shoulder Crop Top $24.95

Forever 21 Selfie Leslie Floral Romper $58

Lulu’s Lovely Pink Romper $48

Express Embroidered Graphic Cutoff Shorts $59.90

Zara Mid-Rise Boyfriend Jeans $69.90

Forever 21 Selfie Leslie Rose Print Dress $48

Black and White

Forever 21 Crepe Off the  Shoulder Top $12.90

American Eagle AEO Hi-Rise Short $34.95 

American Eagle AEO Striped Crop Top $29.95 

Sincerely Jules Celfie Graphic Tee $49

Lulu’s Pull Me Closer Black Striped Romper $48

GUESS Originals Cotton Logo T-Shirt Dress $69

Subtle Ruffles

Lulu’s Flow With It Top $44

Lulu’s Chambray Off the Shoulder Dress $59 

ASOS Tea Dress Maxi with Ruffle Detail and Open Back $68

Forever 21 Selfie Leslie Off the Shoulder Romper $48 

Free People Mint Julep Tee $67

Express Double Ruffle Shoulder Scoop Neck Tee $29.90

IMG_4501IMG_4504

 

 

Olivia Culpo Oscars Inspired Makeup

.Reading time 5 minutes.

img_3226

img_2897
Photo from glamour.com

The most glamorous night of the year came and went without any controversy (*insert Steve Harvey joke here*) but surprisingly there weren’t too many fashion and beauty missteps.I was a bit sad to see the lack of color this Oscars season, but my eyes lit up at Olivia Culpo’s lovely  lilac eye look. I love the whimsical vibes this gives which makes  it perfect for spring. You could definitely wear this everyday  for a pop of color with a BB cream or light foundation, or you could wear as-is for a more formal event. I used mostly affordable products for this look, and gave alternatives if I used something higher end. Olivia’s team used L’Oreal for the eye look so you can really achieve this on a tighter budget. Read below if you want to get this dreamy pastel makeup look!

Makeup Look

img_3224

Primer: Wet n Wild CoverAll Face Primer

Foundation: L’Oreal Pro Glow Foundation in Classic Ivory applied with a damp Beauty Blender

Concealer: Tarte Shape Tape Concealer in Fair. Affordable option: Maybelline’s Age Rewind or NYX HD Concealer

Cream contour: Wet n Wild MegaGlo Makeup Stick Contour in Call Me Maple (applied in contours of the cheeks, high points of the forehead, nose and under the lips) blended out with a stippling brush, and patted in with a damp Beauty Blender. Then took my Shape Tape concealer under the cheek contour and blended it out for a harsher line.

Liquid highlighter: Maybelline Master Strobing Liquid Illuminating Highlighter in Light/Iridescent (applied with a damp Beauty Blender to the tops of the cheeks, bridge of the nose, inner corners and above the brows).

Bronzer: Physicians Formula Argan Wear Bronzer in Light

Powder: Kat Von D Lock It Translucent Powder. Affordable option: Maybelline Translucent Powder

Brows: Benefit Precisely My Brow in 5, Benefit ka-Brow in 4 and NYX Brunette Brow Mascara. Affordable options:  NYX Microbrow Pencil and Maybelline MasterDrama Brow Powder

Eyeshadows: 

  1. Lid: L’Oreal Infallible Paints Eyeshadow Shady Violet, used the darker shade in a thin line on the lid just above the upper lashline.
  2. Lid and crease: L’Oreal Colour Riche Pocket Palette in Violet Amour, used the bottom left shade (light purple) all over the lid, first using a blending brush in the crease and then packing all over with a shader brush.
  3. Outer crease: L’Oreal Violet Amour top right shade (medium toned Violet) a bit of this in the outer crease applied with a blending brush.
  4. Lower lashline: Bottom left shade from Violet Amour palette applied generously with a fluffy pencil brush, then applied a bit of the lighter shade from the Shady Violet eye paints in the center.
  5. Inner corner: I used a discontinued Wet n Wild pigment (sorry didn’t even realize!) but you can use your face highlighter in the inner corner for the same effect.
  6. Brow bone: Any shimmery light nude will do; I used the last shade in the L’Oreal La Palette Nude 1

Mascara: Maybelline Big Shot Mascara in Very Black (I believe Olivia is only wearing mascara, but I like a bit more drama so I added falsies, but you could definitely stop at mascara).

False lashes: Velour Silk Lashes in Fluff’ n Whispie. Affordable option: Ardell Faux Mink Lashes #811

Eyeliner: Rimmel Scandal Eyes Eyeliner in Nude 

Blush: Wet n Wild Color Icon Ombre Blush in The Princess Daiquiris

Powder Highlighter: Makeup Revolution Vivid Baked Highlighter in Radiant Lights

Lip liner: NYX Slim Lip Pencil in Mauve (your liner should be a shade or two darker than your lipstick for this look so you see a subtle shift for light to dark)

Lipstick: Maybelline Inti-Matte Nudes in Almond Rose, and I added a little concealer in the middle of my lips to lighten a bit.

Bodysuit: ASOS (no longer available). Similar: Asos Night Sleeveless Embellished Bodysuit

 

 

 

 

Rosy Valentine’s Day Makeup

.Reading time 3 minutes.

img_2812img_2815

Hello lovelies; we are only a few days out from Valentine’s Day, or Valentine’s Day weekend, and I wanted to get a romantic makeup look up that also has a sexy edge. You can definitely interchange the lipstick for something nude if a flirty romantic vibe is more your thing, or you could change the brown eyeshadow I used to smoke this out with a black for a more sultry look. Whether you’re spending the day swapping candy hearts with your significant other or hitting the movie theatres to see a certain lust-filled movie (okay, it’s Fifty Shades Darker) with your girlfriends (or you’re doing both, because you should never forget about your girls!) this is the perfect Valentine’s Day Makeup. Read below for all the details.

Makeup Look

img_2819

Foundation: L’Oreal Pro Glow in Classic Ivory applied with a Beauty Blender (I can’t believe I waited until now to try one; I swear you see a difference!)

Concealer: Tarte Shape Tape Concealer in Fair  (applied down the bridge of the nose, under the eyes, on the center of the forehead and sides of nose)

Powder: Kat Von D Lock-It Setting Powder

Brows: Benefit Precisely, My Brow Pencil in 5, and filled in with Benefit ka-Brow in 4 

Eyeshadows: 

Allover Olive: Smokey Green Eyeshadow 

.Reading time 3 minutes.

img_2417img_2416

Hello everyone! I’ve been waiting to break out the insanely beautiful MAC Spellbinder Shadow in Mysterious Influence for a twist on a smokey eye, so I did today for this makeup look. I will say while these shadows are beautiful, they are very finicky to work with. I would recommend applying your foundation after your eyeshadow, and tapping any excess powder off your brush because the fallout from this was crazy! Needless to say even with some not-so-great attributes, I really loved the way this color looked on the eyes. Read below for how I achieved this look, and I’ll have some Valentine’s Day posts coming up soon 🙂

Makeup Look

img_2423img_2425

Foundation: Fiona Stiles Luminous Finish Foundation in 01 Porcelain

Concealer: Tarte Shape Tape Concealer in Fair

Powder: Kat Von D Lock-It Translucent Powder (only apply on under eyes because I’m very dry!)

Brows: Benefit Precisely, My Brow Pencil in #5 and Benefit ka-BROW! in #4

Eyeshadows: Steps in order of application

  1. Lid: Colorpop Valley Girl Supershock Shadow all over the lid
  2. Crease: Morphe 35O row 1, shade 6 (khaki brown shade) and row 3, shade 2 (light, neutral brown)
  3. Outer Lid and Inner 1/3 lid: MAC Spellbinder Shadow in Mysterious Influence (applied with a MAC 242, and my finger to blend, a blending brush has too much fallout with this shadow)
  4. Lid: Applied more of Valley Girl in the center of the lid
  5. Outer lid: Used some of Kat Von D’s Jet shadow from the Metal Matte palette to darken the very outer part of the lid. Can use any black shadow.
  6. Lower lashline: Morphe 35O row 5, shade 2 (golden bronze), then blended Mysterious Influence with that, then used a black shadow with a definer brush close to lower lashes to deepen.
  7. Browbone and Inner corner: Makeup Revolution Vivid Baked Highlighter in Golden Lights

Eyeliner: NYX Matte Liquid Liner and L’Oreal Silkissime in Black

Lashes: Eylure Luxe Lashes in Baroque

Blush: Milani Berry Amore Blush 

Highlighter: Makeup Revolution Vivid Baked Highlighter in Golden Lights

Lips: Colorpop Grunge Pencil, Urban Decay Vice Lipstick 1993 and L’Oreal Infallible Lip Paint in Nude Star

Necklace: BaubleBar

Dress: Asos

The Best List: Best of Beauty 2016!

.Reading time 3 minutes.

mark-your-calendars-1

2017 is upon us, and with it I’m sure some holy grail makeup products will launch, but let’s not forget about the 2016 standouts! My favorites for 2016 have a mix of high end and drugstore, and also this year I discovered the importance of moisturizing so I even have some skin care in my line-up.The products below are the ones that will be in my makeup bag for a long, long time. So if you’re still on the hunt for your must-have makeup staples read below for the best in foundations, lipsticks, eyeshadow palettes, brushes and more!

Face Products

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Ole Henriksen Nurture Me $40

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydrating Serum $36

MAC Prep and Prime Fix+ $23

L’Oreal Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation $12.99

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Full Coverage Foundation $39

Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Complete Coverage Concealer $28

Tarte Shape Tape Contour Concealer $24 

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer $8.99 

Maybelline FaceStudio Master Fix Setting + Perfecting Loose Powder $8.99

Kat Von D Lock-It Setting Powder $30  

Eye Products

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Benefit Goof Proof Brow Pencil in 4 $24

Colourpop Bangin’ Brunette and Black N’ Brown Pencil $5 each 

NYX Tinted Brow Mascara in Espresso $6.99

Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette $42 

Morphe 35O Palette $22.99

BH Cosmetics Carli Bybel Palette $14.50 

NYX Matte Liquid Liner $6.99

Jordana Cat Eyeliner $3.99

L’Oreal Paris Infallible Silkissime Eyeliner $6.19

Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Eyeliner $6.99

L’Oreal Telescopic Carbon Black Mascara $9.99

Benefit Roller Lash Super Curling & Lifting Mascara $24 

Ardell Cluster Wispies Demi Wispies $3.99

Eylure Vegas Nay Grand Glamour Lashes $7.99

Velour Silk Lashes in Fluff n’ Whispie $26 

House of Lashes White Lash Glue $8 

Cheeks & Highlighters

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Milani Baked Blushes $8.29 each 

NYX Ombre Blushes $9.99

Becca X Jaclyn Hill Champagne Pop Shimmering Skin Perfector $38 

Makeup Revolution Vivid Baked Highlighters in Radiant Lights and Golden Lights $6 each

Lips

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Lip Pencil in Uptight $20 

Colourpop Ultra Satin Lip in Frick N’ Frack and Echo Park $6 each 

Maybelline Color Jolt Lip Paint in Stripped Down $9.99

Maybelline The Loaded Bolds Lip Color in Raging Raisin $7.49 

Smashbox Always On Liquid Lipstick in Disorderly and Bawse $24 each 

Tarte Double Duty Beauty Lip Sculptor in VIP $24 

Brushes & Tools

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

*In bold is what I personally use each brush for. 

Foundation: It Brushes for Ulta Airbrush Buffing Foundation Brush #110 $24 

Blush: Morphe MB1 Deluxe Powder Brush $10.99 

Crease: Morphe MB13 Deluxe Blending Fluff Brush $4.99

Blending brush for lower lashline: Morphe MB18 Round Crease Brush $3.99

Lid: Morphe MB20 Oval Shadow Brush $3.99 

Concealer: Real Techniques Makeup Sponge $10.99 for 2 pack 

Highlight: Real Techniques Setting Brush $3.92 

Powder: Sonia Kashuk Core Tools Synthetic Buffing Brush $12.99

Crease: MAC 224 Tapered Blending Brush $32 

Lid: MAC 239 Eye Shader Brush $25 

For pigments and glitters: MAC 242 Shader Brush $25 

Cinema Secrets Brush Cleaner $42.97 

 

 

Bring on the Shine 2017: Silver and Smokey NYE Makeup

.Reading time 3 minutes.

img_2126

Happy almost New Year everyone! I hope 2017 brings you lots of love, inspiration and of course lots of makeup! I wanted to get up what I think is the perfect look for New Year’s Eve– silver, glitter and a bold lip! Read on to find out what I used to get this look and some dupes if you can’t get the products I have in time.

Makeup Look

img_2128

Foundation: L’Oreal Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation in Classic Ivory 

Concealer: Tarte Shape Tape Concealer in Fair 

Powder: Kat Von D Setting Powder

Brows: Colourpop Black N’ Brown Pencil with NYX Brow Mascara in Espresso to set

Eyeshadows: (In order of application)

*For the matte Kat Von D Shades below, use any matte eyeshadows to achieve this look! I like NYX’s Nude Matte Shadow which you can get at Ulta. You really just need a good matte light brown, black and white shadow for the browbone.

Liquid Liner: NYX Matte Liquid Liner

Lashes: Eylure Luxe Faux Mink Gilded Lashes

Bottom eyeliner: L’Oreal Silkissime in Black (only on the outer half)

Contour: All Kat Von D Shade and Light. Temples to bronze: Shadowplay. Hollows of the cheeks and nose: Sombre.

Blush: Milani Rose D’Oro (I get Milani at CVS)

Highlighter: Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Moonstone

Lip liner: Jordana Plush Plum lipliner (get at Walgreens)

Lipstick: Milani Amore Matte Metallic Lip Creme in My Soulmate (found this recently at CVS, but can’t find it online. Similar: Making Me Matte) 

Gloss:  Maybelline Shine Shot 

Bodysuit: Boohoo

Necklace: BaubleBar 

 

 

 

Rockin’ New Year’s Eve Outfit Picks

.Reading time 2 minutes.

2017 is upon us, and with it brings the glitziest night of the year, New Year’s Eve of course. It’s time to break out the shiniest and  most daring look you can think of, but sometimes finding the perfect look can be tough! No worries, I’ve broken out outfits that will work for the girl who wants to sparkle all night long, the girl with a rebel streak and gowns for anyone who has fancy formal plans!  Read on below to find your perfect look, and remember you can always tough something up with a leather jacket, boots and a choker or turn up the glam with statement jewelry and metallic heels.

For the Glittery Glamazon

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

  1. Cut-Out Long Sleeve Sequin Midi Dress $80.99
  2. Cut-Out Sequin Mini Dress $80.99
  3. River Island Metallic Wrap Dress $64
  4. New Look Sequin Mini Dress $53
  5. GUESS Open-Back Sequined Sheath Dress $95.99
  6. Ivory Blurred Lines Romper $59.90
  7. Hunter Celebration Mini Dress $44.90
  8. Sequin Surplice Romper $45
  9. Sequin Bodycon Dress $29.90

Ring it in Like a Rebel 

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

  1. Bebe Crisscross Bandage Dress $69
  2. Bebe x Naven Neckband Jumpsuit $69
  3. Nightwalker Taj Metallic Knit Dress $41.40 
  4. Isabel Ribbed Harness Strappy Bodycon Dress $30
  5. Boutique Lola Sequin Star Print Strappy Maxi Dress $60
  6. Marlena Bandeau Asymetric Hem Midi Dress $35
  7. River Island Sequin Slip Dress $68 
  8. Red Ever Wonder Dress $39.90 
  9. Topshop Corset Mini Dress $68 

 

Fierce in Formal

 

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

  1. Christine Rose Gold Sequin Dress $74.90
  2. Marielle Black Carnevale Dress $94.90
  3. Lizbeth Classic Twist Formal Dress $59.90
  4. Boutique Naty Embellished Placement Maxi Dress $80 
  5. Petite Amy Metallic Strappy Thigh Split Maxi Dress $35
  6. Karen Pleated Lace Gown $99
  7. Maya Embellished Jumpsuit $128 
  8. Fame and Partners Georgette Dress $215
  9. Nasty Gal Collection Purple Reina Maxi Dress $94

Holiday Look and Makeup Must Haves

.Reading time 4 minutes.

img_1692

Happy holidays everyone! With Christmas and Hanukkah right around the corner, I was thinking about what my foolproof holiday staples are. I’m talking about what red lip will stay on while sipping holiday cocktails or kissing under the mistletoe, and what glitters will sparkle all through the night, because let’s face it no one wants to deal with smeared lipstick and flaky glitter this season. Below are my top picks, as well as what I used to get the makeup look above. So read on, and snag some of these for your holiday get together!

Kissin’ Under the Mistletoe Worthy Red Lipsticks

These are in order from the most foolproof to more satiny versions that may stain a cup a bit but stay on through dinner.

  1. Smashbox Always on Liquid Lipstick in Bawse $24 (my favorite red; super comfortable to wear, doesn’t bleed and stays on through eating, kissing, etc.)
  2. OFRA Cosmetics Long Lasting Liquid Lipstick in Atlantic City $19.90
  3. Maybelline Creamy Matte Lip Color in Siren in Scarlet  $7.99
  4. NARS Audacious Lipstick in Rita  $32

A Twinkle with the Tinsel: Best Glitters

These are true glitters, either liners or loose glitters, not a shadow with glitter in it. For any loose glitters a lightly spritz my brush with Fix + and then dip in the glitter.

  1. Urban Decay Heavy Metal Glitter Liner in Midnight Cowboy $20 (so easy to apply, can build for more glitter coverage, and does not flake!)
  2. MAC Glitter (any shade) $22 (This is the best glitter for all over the lid, it’s super opaque and wears beautifully throughout the night)
  3. NYX Face and Body Glitter $5.99 (I love these when I first open them, but sadly after a few uses the glitter stops coming out, but if you need for one or two nights the price is right and the quality is great! Just wish it had better packaging)
  4. Revlon PhotoReady Eye Art $8.99 (I only use the glitter liner side of these, and it goes on great. After a few hours it will flake a bit, but once again for the price point it’s a good glitter liner)

Makeup Look
img_1687img_1689