Tag: carli bybel

Cruelty Free Makeup Look and Top Animal Friendly Brands and Products

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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:

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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)

 

 

The Best List: Best of Beauty 2016!

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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*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 

 

 

Music Muse Makeup: Festival Season

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When Coachella hits its officially festival season. I’m sure like me, many of you have lusted over the perfectly mused, slightly lived-in makeup and outfit vibes of Victoria’s Secret models, musicians and fashion bloggers. My motto for a great festival look is bronze, highlight and a pop of color. I love to use bronzes for festival looks as they give that desert vibe that looks messy yet chic. With so many festival or even just summer concerts, I’m already booked for Beyonce and The Lumineers!, you can wear a bronzy look like this all summer long. Keep reading for how I got this look.

Makeup Look

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Moisturizer: Neutrogena Hydro-Boost Gel in SPF 15 (so important to wear sunscreen to any outdoor event this season. I like to use a moisturizer with SPF and a foundation/BB cream with one too).

Foundation: Urban Decay Naked Skin One & Done Hybrid Complexion Perfector in Light. (This features SPF 20 and has both foundation and concealer properties so you only need one step! For this look I used concealer as well, but you definitely don’t need it).

Concealer: Urban Decay Naked Skin Concealer in Fair Neutral.

Powder: Maybelline MasterFix loose powder

Brows: Colourpop Brow Pencils in Bangin’ Brunette and Black N’ Brown (previously blog post shows how I use these). Topped with NYX brow mascara in Espresso

Eyeshadows:

  • Crease: Too Faced PB&J Palette shade Peanut Butter (any warm soft matte shadow will do)
  • Lid and Inner Corner : Jordana Made to Last Liquid Eyeshadow in Forever Sand (I buy mine at Walgreens; a liquid or cream eyeshadow gives that highlighted gleam and won’t budge).
  • Browbone: Too Faced PB&J Extra Creamy (any off white shadow will work)
  • Lower lashline: Too Faced PB&J Peanut Brittle with the darker bronze shade in the Carli Bybel palette on the outside. Her lighter bronze would work in place of Peanut Brittle.

Liners: 

Lashes: L’Oreal Carbon Blac Telescopic Mascara with Ardell Demi Wispies cut in half on the outer lash. (Cut your lashes in half for a more natural lash look, honestly I’d just go with mascara for a festival).

Bronzer: L’Oreal Glam Bronze in Light $14.99. So I could not find this online at all. It’s a new limited edition bronzer and you get a very large pan. I think the color is a bit cool, but it is pretty great for really fair skin like mine. I didn’t think it looked muddy at all. I put photos below incase you find this in-store; I got mine at Walgreens.

Highlighters: MAC x Rihanna RiRi Hearts Cream Higlighter in Diamonds (this is from 2013, but any liquid or cream gold highlighter will do I love Benefit’s Watts Up as well). I topped this with the gold shade in the Carli Bybel palette (3rd highlighter in). Get your paws on her palette soon, it’s going to be discontinued in June!

Blush: NYX Ombre Blush in Strictly Chic

Lips: Colourpop Ultra Satin Lip in Tansy topped with an old Bath and Body Works gloss (any tinted gloss with shimmer will work) You defintely want a no fuss lip look for these types of events. I love Colourpop’s Ultra Satin lips, they’ll stay all day and wear comfortably.

Top: Forever 21 Festival Collection (similar here and here)

Necklace: ASOS Pieces Benna Statment Necklace (sold out :(, but I love ASOS’s costume jewelry, it lasts long and looks/feel expensive without Urban Outfitters prices) Type in silver statement necklace in their search and you’ll find a ton of similar options.

 

Best in Class 2015: My Top Beauty Picks

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Hi guys! I’m finally posting my Best of Beauty 2015! Today was the perfect day to filter through all my favorites as New Jersey is getting lots and lots of snow, so thank you Jonas. Below I’ll have all my favorite products listed; I was able to photograph most, but the ones I couldn’t I’ll still list 🙂 Hope you guys enjoy and get a shopping cart ready, you’re gonna want these!

Primer

  1. Becca Backlight Primer Filter $38
  2. Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer $36
  3. L’Oreal Studio Secrets Magic Lumi Light Infusing Primer $12.99

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  1. Too Faced Born This Way Foundation in Porcelain $39
  2. Maybelline Dream Velvet Soft-Matte Hydrating Foundation $10.99 *This was a very late 2015 addition, but it was still one of my favorites.

Concealer

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  1. Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Coverage Concealer Fair Neutral $28
  2. NYX Hi Definition Photo Concealer Wand in Porcelain $4.99 *I honestly like this just as much as the Naked Skin, but the Naked Skin applies a bit easier and last longer as far as product.

Powder

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  1. Revlon Colorstay Aqua Finishing Powder in Translucent *So I believe this is discontinued (eternal crying face). I’ve only found it on a few sites but they aren’t any I feel comfortable recommending as I’ve never bought from them. This was hands down my favorite powder though. You could try Revlon’s Colorstay Mineral Makeup in Light which is what I’ll try after I run out of this. I’ve also been liking Maybelline’s new finishing powder, I just think this has a hydrating quality that is hard to replicate.

Brows

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  1. Anastasia Dipbrow Pomade in Dark Brown $18 *This was a recent try for me because I heard it was hard to work with, but I think if you use a little bit of this and blend out with a spoolie you’re set! I love how dark this makes me brows, and they also don’t look powdery.
  2. NYX Micro Brow Pencil Brunette $9.99
  3. Maybelline Eye Studio Brow Define and Fill Duo Deep Brown $7.99
  4. Maybelline Brow Drama Pro Palette Deep Brown $12.99
  5. NYX Tinted Brow Mascara Brunette $6.99

Eyeshadows

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  1. LORAC Pro Palette 1 $42
  2. LORAC Pro Palette 2 $42
  3. LORAC Mega Pro 1  *This was the 1st Mega Pro and was limited edition; I don’t have the second because I love the warm colors in this. I want Lorac to bring it back 😦
  4. BH Cosmetics Carli Bybel Palette $12.50
  5. Morphe 35O Palette $22.99 *This product is always in and out of stock, but Jaclyn Hill and Amanda Ensing always have discount codes and update their followers when it’s back in stock. Also, I know I didn’t give this product an A+ review, but that’s more for quality of some of the shades. Overall though if you love warm oranges this is where it’s at, and a lot of the matte shades are great affordable crease options.
  6. NYX Nude Matte Shadows in Dance the Tides and Maybe Later $4.99 each *The best affordable crease colors on the market in my opinion.

Eye Liner

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  1. Jordana Cat Eye Liner $2.99 *I loved this more than any eye liner I’ve used in years- it stays through naps (not that you should sleep in makeup) and is so easy to apply! Black Leather and Black Brown were my favorites. I buy mine at Walgreens.
  2. L’Oreal Silkissime Eye Liner $8.99 *The best waterline eye liner’s ever. These do not smudge and last hours, I’m begging L’Oreal to make a brown shade. My favorites were Black, Charcoal and Gold.

Mascara

  1. Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara $23
  2. L’Oreal Telescopic Carbon Black Mascara $9.99

Blush

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  1. Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso, Rose D’Oro and Bella Amore $7.79 each
  2. Tarte Holiday Palettes *The ones shown were LE. Any of Tarte’s Amazonian Clay Blushes are the same formula and amazing. These palettes have lasted me so long I haven’t need to buy and individual shades!
  3. Milani Rose Powder Blush in Romantic Rose and Tea Rose $7.99
  4. Colourpop Blush Bonus $8 *It looks like this shade is discontinued but Fox and Between the Sheets look similar.

Highlighters

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  1. theBalm Mary Lou-Manizer Higlighter $24 *I find this to be the best option for super pale skin tones like mine. I’ve tried Becca Moonstone because Nikki Tutorials loves it, but I still think Mary Lou shows up the best on fair skin.
  2. BECCA Becca x Jaclyn Hill Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Champagne Pop $38 *This just became permanent, ultimate squeals over here!
  3. BH Cosmetics Carli Bybel Palette Highlighters $12.50- I’m obsessed with the second highlighter, but they’re all stunning and work for so many different skin tones. I hope BH makes singles of this highlighter formula, it’s the best drugstore priced highlight I’ve used.
  4. Colourpop Super Shock Highlighter Butterfly Beach $8 *I apply this with my fingers, and it’s my go-to summer highlight.

Lip Liners

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  1. NYX Slim Lip Pencil Ever $3.49
  2. Colourpop Grunge Pencil $5
  3. Jordana Easyliner For Lips in Tawny and Plush Plum $2.49 each *I buy mine at Walgreens

Lipstick

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From left to right: Miami Fever, LAX, LBB, Poison, Grunge, Fancy, Brink, Lolita, Euro Trash, Lacque-y Charm, Nude Flush, Divine Wine, Pepper, Glace

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  1. OFRA Long Lasting Liquid Lipstick w/Kathleen Lights Miami Fever $19.90 *My favorite liquid lipstick formula; also, Kathleen Lights normally has a coupon code on her Youtube videos for 40% off.
  2. Colourpop Ultra Matte Lipstick LAX $6
  3. Colourpop Lippie Stix LBB $5 *This is like MAC’s Rebel but cheaper and I personally like the wear of LBB better.
  4. Colourpop Lippie Stix Poison $5
  5. Colourpop Lippie Stix Grunge $5
  6. Colourpop Lippie Stix Fancy $5 *My go-to spring and summer lip color.
  7. Colourpop Lippie Stix Brink $5
  8. Kat Von D Studded Kiss Lipstick Lolita $21 *Note this is not the same shade as Kat Von D’s liquid lipstick in Lolita. This is a traditional formula and a lighter rose color.
  9. NYX Matte Lipstick Euro Trash $5.99
  10. L’Oreal Colour Riche La Lacque Lipcolour Stick Lacque-y Charm $9.99 *I also wore the Le Matte formula in She’s so Matte a ton, but I couldn’t find mine to photograph.
  11. Maybelline Vivid Matte Lip Color Nude Flush $7.99
  12. Maybelline Creamy Matte Lip Color Divine Wine $7.99
  13. Bite Beauty Luminous Creme Lipstick Pepper $24 *The most perfect everyday shade.
  14. Bite Beauty Matte Creme Lip Crayon Glace $24

Brushes

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Dreaming in the Drugstore: New Maybelline Product Reviews

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Hi loves! Sorry I haven’t gotten a Best of 2015 up yet, I was away last week and had a ton to catch up on, but you will know my must-haves very soon! Today I’m reviewing some new Maybelline drugstore products I’ve been testing for about 3 weeks. January brought a slew of new products, I’m also on the hunt for the new L’Oreal Cushion foundation in my shade, but today I have Maybelline’s new Dream Velvet Soft-Matte Hydrating Foundation, the Vivid Matte Liquid Lip Color, Brow Define and Fill Duo and FaceStudio Master Fix and Setting Powder. Boy, was that a mouthful. I also have a full drugstore glam makeup look below. Read on makeup mavens!

 

Reviews

Maybelline Dream Velvet Soft-Matte Hydrating Foundation: I found this foundation in the drugstore about 3 weeks ago, and as I mentioned in a post in December I’ve been on the hunt for a new drugstore foundation. I used to use Maybelline’s Dream Mousse and Fit Me Dewy and Smooth foundations, but while I loved the coverage, I always got dry patches on my nose. Anyway, I decided to give this a go. At first it was difficult for me to pick a shade: the two lightest are Warm Porcelain and Porcelain Ivory. I went with Warm Porcelain as it didn’t look as pink on the packaging. I will say putting this on my hand it looked way too warm at first, but it blends right into my skin color once it dries down. The consistency of this is thick and very much like a squeezed mousse, and unlike any foundation I’ve ever tried. It truly is what the name says though: it’s a hydrating matte foundation. I’ve had no issues with this drying my skin out and the coverage is medium to full and it last about 8 hours without a primer. I think I’ve found my new favorite drugstore foundation! 9.5/10

  • Best tool for this foundation: It Brushes for Ulta Airbrush Buffing Foundation Brush #110  (I definitely prefer a buffing brush to a Beauty Blender with this product)
  • Price: $10.99
  • Ounces: 1 oz
  • Okay to set with powder: Yes
  • Staying powder: 8-10 hours
  • Coverage: Medium to full
  • Color selection: 12 colors (only one truly dark shade though)

Maybelline Vivid Matte Liquid Lip Colors: So like many other makeup lovers who see this, you probably think these are Maybelline’s versions of liquid lipsticks, like Colourpop’s Ultra Matte Liquid Lipsticks or Anastasia Liquid Lipsticks, they are not a true liquid lipstick. These lipsticks are a creamy consistency hat have a satin-matte finish. They never dry down, so they do transfer. I bought the colors 5 Nude Thrill and 50 Possessed Plum. I have to say I love love love Nude Thrill. I think the color is stunning, and I personally like the creaminess, it’s like a matte lipgloss. The coverage for Nude Thrill is medium-full and it doesn’t feel uncomfortable to build. Possessed Plum on the other hand is a different story. This colors moves on your lips as you swipe so you can never get a full coverage without seeing your lip color come through. It takes about 4-5 swipes to get a mostly opaque color but as this product transfers it’s hard to wear. It may be okay if you wear it over a lipstick.These are also extremely perfumey. I am curious to try another deeper shade, just to see if the Possessed Plum is an exception, but overall I’d give these a 6.5/10.

  • Shades: 10
  • Price: $7.99
  • Coverage: Medium
  • Size: .26 oz
  • Perfumey scent
  • Cream consistency

Maybelline Brow and Fill Duo: This product is a hybrid of a brow pencil similar to Anastasia’s Brow Wiz and a powder. This is the only product I’ve ever found like it on the market. At first, I didn’t love the powder, as it seems like it doesn’t really come out, and I also don’t love this doesn’t have a spooley but really they have no where to put one. The pencil end runs out pretty quick and starts out longer than it should meaning it will probably break off. The thing is, I love the actually product. I think the powder gives my brows a natural finish unlike any other powder. It’s probably because of the domed end it comes out of, it’s not as harsh as using a angled brush. I also really like the pencil end, it defines nicely and creates natural strokes. So I’m torn, I really like this product but the pencil end mechanically causes a lot of problems that may make this a product that’s frustrating and you’ll have to replace often. 7/10

  • Shades: 4
  • Price: $7.99
  • Pencil and domed end which distributes powder

Maybelline FaceStudio Master Fix Setting + Perfecting Loose Powder: I haven’t used this product too long, and as you have probably realized I’m pretty married to Revlon’s Aqua Ready translucent powder, but this is a close second. I think this powder is very similar to more high-end powders like the Make Up Forever Translucent powder. It’s very finely milled and doesn’t leave a white residue. I think this powder is perfect for all skin types but especially someone with oily/combo skin. If you have been on the hunt for a good drugstore translucent powder, I think this is it! 9.5/10

  • Shades: 1 (Translucent)
  • Price: $9.99
  • Size: .21 oz

Makeup Look

  • Primer: I ran out of my usual drugstore primer, but would use Loreal Magic Lumi Primer normally
  • Foundation: Maybelline Dream Velvet Soft-Matte Hydrating Foundation in 05 Warm Porcelain
  • Concealer: Maybelline Fit Me Concealer in Fair (I also love NYX HD concealer but I ran out of that too)
  • Powder: Maybelline FaceStudio Powder
  • Brows: Maybelline Brow and Fill Duo in Deep Brown with NYX Brow Mascara in Brunette to set
  • Eyeshadows:  
    • Crease- NYX Matte Shadow in Maybe Later.
    • Lid- L’Oreal Colour Riche Monos Eyeshadow in Sunset Seine (this look a lot more orange online, it’s like a golden color in person)
    • Outer Lid- Colourpop Supershock shadow in Lectra, which I also used on the lower lashline and outer crease. (It looks like this is sold out but you can use Porter or Leopard for a similar effect).
    • Browbone and inner corner: Morphe 35O shimmer beige shade. You can use any shimmering highlight shade for the same effect.
  • Eyeliners:
    • Liquid liner: Jordana Cat Eye Liner in Black Leather (I buy mine at Walgreens)
    • Waterline liner: L’Oreal Silkissime in Black
  • Lashes: Ardell Wispies (I believe these are a new style, they’re not the Natural or Glamour, the packaging says Wispies in red. Got at Walgreens)
  • Mascara: L’Oreal Carbon Black Telescopic
  • Blush: Mixed Milani Baked Blushes in Berry Amore and Dolce Pink
  • Highlighter: BH Cosmetics Carli Bybel Palette second highlight in. I also love Phyiscians Formula highlighters and Maybelline MasterStudio highlighters.
  • Lips: 

Bringing the Wham GLAM Thank You Ma’am: New Year’s Look and What’s Coming in 2016

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IMG_3103Hello loves! I hope everyone had  a splendid and spectacular New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. I didn’t have enough time to post my makeup look before I went out in good ol’ Atlantic City (a resolution for next year is to celebrate somewhere else) but I decided I’d post this snazzy glitter-bombed eye look incase any of you want to wear it to work Monday; I kid, I kid. I also wanted to share with you what I have planned for 2016. I’d really like to get a handle on my Sony A5100 (if anyone has tips, please leave below) and up the quality on my photos and start shooting videos! I also plan to create my own website, and deliver more reviews and fashion photos. Any other suggestions you guys would like for 2016 are encouraged! Below I’m going to leave my favorites of 2015, and of course this makeup look. P.S. A year review of my favorite products will hopefully be up next week, I’ll be in Florida at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (insert heart eyed emoji here) so I hope to get it up before Wednesday. Happy 2016!

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Primer: BECCA Backlight Priming Filter 

Foundation: Too Faced Born This Way Foundation-Porcelain

Concealer: Urban Decay Naked Skin Concealer- Fair Neutral

Powder: Makeup Forever Translucent Setting Powder

Brows: Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade- Dark Brown with NYX Brow Mascara- Brunette

Eyeshadows: 

Eyeliner: 

Lashes: L’oreal Telescopic- Carbon Black. Velour Lashes for Sephora– Fluff n’ Dolled Up.

Blush: Milani Baked Blush– Rose D’Oro

Highlighter: BECCA Cosmetics Jaclyn Hill x Champagne Pop (used on cheeks, nose, cupid’s bow, above brows)

Lips: NYX Slim Lip Pencil- Ever. Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick– Dolce.

Extras: Top- Missguided. Necklace: BaubleBar 

2015 Favorite Life Things!

Dark Romance: Carli Bybel Palette Look and Review

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Dark Lip Romantic Eye Carli Bybel Palette

Good morning all my fellow makeup mavens! Or at least it’s morning while I’m writing this; now that I’m out of my Halloween makeup looks (so sad, you can view my C3PO look on my Instagram) I’m really excited to delve into all the products I’d bought in October. The first product I needed to get my hands dirty with and my face pretty with is the BH Cosmetics Carli Bybel Palette. Carli Bybel is probably my favorite Beauty Youtuber, she’s a fellow New Jerseyian, and absolutely stunning with a big heart. About 4 million other people must envy her beautiful makeup because this palette sold out at lightning speeds. At only $12.50, with 14 gorgeous plum, mauve, gold, and coppery eyeshadows, and 4 stunning highlighters, why wouldn’t this baby be a hit? I had never tried anything from BH before this palette, and I will say their process for getting the items to the consumer was a bit half hazard. Anyway, enough about processes! Look below for a review, swatches, and a full makeup look using this palette. Order your’s here, it’s out of stock for now, but hopefully it’ll come back soon.

Review

inside the carli bybel palette

So as I had mentioned above, I’ve never used BH Cosmetics products. But this palette was just too beautiful not to buy, and really inexpensive, which had me a bit skeptical because even drugstore brands like Maybelline and L’Oreal who have their own palettes can be a bit pricey. The packaging is a crisp white, which I’m sure I’ll get dirty, and it’s nothing super sturdy. The product inside is all I really care about, and I have to say these are pretty darn good. Some shades are a bit powdery, but nothing that has me freaking out over fallout, and they’re all pretty pigmented, especially the satiny/glitter shades. I really love that Carli choose shades that can be used for day or night, and have enough variety you’re not buying another knockoff Naked Palette. The shades to the left are perfect for highlighting and a softer look for school or work, the middle 6 are knockouts for everyday, and the last two will definitely vamp up your look. They lasted about 7 hours. I think the eyeshadows are a solid 9/10. 

Now for the highlighters, there are 4 highlighters that range from a pale pale pink, to a fierce bronze. I will say I love that there are quality highlighters in this palette. It’s rare to ever find highlighters in a palette especially ones as good as these. The first two work best on my ghostly skin tone, but I can also get away with the third gold if I use a light hand or mix it; it’s very pigmented. The last shade doesn’t work as a highlight for me, but it’s well-suited for darker skin tones, and I can definitely use it as an eyeshadow because that shade is fierce. I don’t think I’ve ever found better drugstore priced highlighters. They get a 9.5/10.

I think this palette is an absolute steal. I really hope BH can stock this up before the holidays, because it would make a great gift for Secret Santa parties, your best friend, even yourself, if you’re so inclined. Carli did an amazing job, I may have to check out more BH after buying this palette.

Swatches

Carli Bybel Eyeshadow Swatches
Eyeshadows start from wrist up, beginning with top row of palette then going to bottom row of palette.

Carli Bybel Highlight Swatches

Makeup Look

Colourpop LAX lip Carli Bybel Eyeshadow look

Primer: Makeup Forever Step 1 Skin Equalizer Hydrating Primer (got as a sample)

Foundation: Too Faced Born This Way Foundation in Porcelain

Concealer: Urban Decay Naked Skin Concealer in Fair Neutral

Powder: Revlon Photoready Aqua Powder in Translucent

Brows: NYX Microbrow in Brunette, with Maybelline Brow Drama Pro Palette in Deep Brown, and NYX Brow Mascara in Brunette.

Eyeshadows: All BH Cosmetics Carli Bybel Palette

  • Crease: Light brown (top row, 3rd shadow in) and deep purple mauve on outer crease (top row, 5th shadow)
  • Lid: Copper gold (bottom row, 4th shadow in) deeper copper on outer lid (bottom row, 3rd shadow)
  • Outer V: Deep purple mauve (top row, 5th shadow)
  • Inner corner highlight: Champagne gold (bottom row, 1st shadow)
  • Lower lashline: Deep copper (bottom row, 3rd shadow) with deep purple mauve on outer lashline (top row, 5th shadow)
  • Browbone: Matte beige nude (top row, 1st shadow)

Eyeliners: Jordana Cat Eyes Liquid Liner in Black Leather. Bottom waterline Tarte Skinny SmolderEYES liner in Purple Garnet (LE) similar: Almay Raisin Quartz Eyeliner 

Mascara: L’Oreal Telescopic in Carbon Black

Lashes: Ardell 105 Glamour Lashes

Blush: Milani Berry Amore Baked Blush

Highlight: Carli Bybel highlighters #3 mixed with #2.

Lips: Colourpop Ultra Matte Lipstick in LAX, currently out of stock 😦 but this shade is STUNNING. Similar: Anastasia Liquid Lipsticks in Heathers and Vamp. 

 Extras: Top Zara

Break Into Spring with Berry Colored Makeup

.Reading time 3 minutes.

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Hey guys, I saw my favorite Youtuber, Carli Bybel do a summery berry and orange look and I wanted to recreate it for you guys! She used more coppery colors, but I feel like I use them a lot so I mixed my look up with more orange hues. Below is the makeup products I used and dupes, as well as this look with another lip color! I think this look is great for a summer night out or even a nighttime wedding.

Products:

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Foundation: Maybelline Fit Me Dewy and Smooth in Porcelain

Concealer: NYX HD Photo Concealer in Porcelain

Powder: NYX HD Powder in Banana

Blush: Becca Cosmetics Beach Tint Shimmer Souffle in Watermelon/Moonstone, similar Milani Baked Blush in Red Vino

Highlight: Revlon Photoready Skinlight Illuminator in Bare Light (all over cheeks, forehead and nose) topped off with The Balm’s Mary-Louminzer

Bronzer: Maybelline Master Class Bronzer in Weekend Bronze (LE), similar Rimmel London Natural Bronzer in Sun Light 

Contour: NYX Conceal and Correct Palette in Light (used the darkest shade to contour my nose)

Brows: Tarte Amazonian Clay Brow Mousse in Medium Brown and NYX Brow Mascara in Brunette to set, similar  NYX Tame and Frame Brow Pomade in Brunette.

Eye Base: NYX Eye Base in Skintone

Eyeshadows:

  1. Crease: Anastasia Beverly Hills Lavish (ABH) Palette, Orange Soda, similar ABH Soft Peach or Makeup Geek Peach Smoothie 
  2. Lid: ABH Dress Your Face Tamanna Palette, Bengal, (sold at Macy’s) similar Urban Decay Riff. This color is extremely difficult to find drugstore, but if you can get Bengal at Macy’s it’s only $12.
  3. Outer lid: ABH Dress Your Face Tamanna Palette, Sangria, similar Makeup Geek Pigment in Enchanted or Maybelline Eyestudio Quad in Mad Mauve (the last color).
  4. Browbone and inner corner: ABH Dress Your Face Palette, Blush, you can use any shimmery white/pink eyeshadow for this.
  5. Lower lashline: Mixed Sangria on the outer lash with Urban Decay’s Penny Lane from the Vice 1 palette. similar Milani Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eye Shadow in Bella Copper.

Eyeliner: L’Oreal Silkissime in Black with Jordana Cat Eye Liquid Liner in Black Leather in inner corner.

Mascara and lashes: L’Oreal Miss Manga in Blackest Black and Ardell 120 Natural Lashes in Demi.

Lips:

  1. Berry lip, look 1: Essence Lip Liner in Soft Berry, NYX Intense Butter Gloss in Toasted Marshmallow 
  2. Orange lip, look 2: Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in In Love With Ginger, mixed with NYX Round Case Lipstick in Orange Soda.

Outfit Details and Picks

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Top: Forever 21 Henley Crop Top in Rust (I’m loving rust for spring and summer)

Earrings: Express Crisscross Hoop Earrings

Drugstore Makeup Look: L’Oreal La Palette Nude 1 Review

.Reading time 6 minutes.

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The “nude/naked” eyeshadow trend has been done over and over again, ever since the launch of Urban Decay’s Naked palette which skyrocketed not only Urban Decay into Sephora stardom, as well a slew of  copycat makeup palettes. The Naked 1 became a staple for me,but at $54 it’s a big hit to the wallet. I’ve skipped out on many of the similar palettes over the years, such asMaybelline, LORAC and Smashbox, but after seeing Carli Bybel using L’Oreal’s La Palette Nude 2 I wanted to try theirs (a late night after work drugstore run might have also led to this impulse buy too).  A comparison, review, swatches and drugstore makeup look are below.

L’Oreal released two nude palettes, at $19.99 a piece, I was a bit shocked by the price, as Maybelline’s The Nudes pallete as only $9.99. The L’Oreal La Palette Nude 1 comes with a small brush and sponge; I purchased mine at Walgreens.  The one above is #1 and features warmer tones similar to the Naked palette, the #2 palette is cooler and similar to Urban Decay’s Naked 2. I went for #1 as I use my Naked way more than the Naked 2. Below is a comparison between Urban Decay’s and L’Oreal’s take on the natural shadow look.

Comparison

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This palette features 10 shades, whereas the Naked palette features 10. You get three matte shades (1 cool and 2 warm) and only get two in the original Naked palette. The mirror on the L’Oreal palette is much larger than the Naked mirror, but the Naked brush is much nicer than the L’Oreal option. The L’Oreal features two highlighting shades, the Naked has one. But the Naked palette offers more diverse colors including a purple, pink, slate and black, whereas L’Oreal’s features mostly warm toned browns and golds.

 Review

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The La Palette Nude 1 is a great affordable option for anyone looking to start out in makeup (high school and college students, I’m looking at you!). I also think this palette is awesome if you don’t want to dig into your more expensive palettes. Even though I’ve owned my Naked palettes for a few years, I hate using them everyday because those suckers are expensive! I think the three matte shadows in this palette really convinced me, as it’s really hard to find good matte eyeshadows at the drugstore. The palette and the 2nd version, features all the colors you could want in a warm or cool toned palette. I personally like that this palette is not complicated with random colors. You could use this for day or evening, so it’s perfect for travelling. I will say the colors are a bit chalky, but I didn’t have fallout and was able to blend. I give it a score or 9/10. I think this will become my new everyday staple, even though I adore my Naked palettes. They wore well with an eyeshadow base for 8-10 hours. P.S. I wish these shadows were named. I think it’s a bit lazy to not name makeup, but maybe that’s the writer in me.

Swatches

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From left to right in palette, not named, are numbered from 1-10.

Makeup Look

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Products: All drugstore, expect the brows (working on getting some drugstore products for those, but I’ll have drugstore options below)

Foundation: L’Oreal Infalliable Pro-Matte Foundation in Classic Ivory

Concealer: NYX Conceal, Correct and Contour Palette in Light (don’t love this for concealing, I’d use NYX HD Photoready, but I ran out!) and Maybelline Dream Lumi Highlighting Pen in Fair

Contour: NYX Conceal, Correct and Contour Palette in Light, I used the darkest shade #4 for my nose, forehead, chin and cheeks. Set with Maybelline Master Bronzer in 310 Weekend Bronze, this was limited edition, sorry guys! Similar: Rimmel London Natural Bronzer 

Powder: L’Oreal True Match Mineral Powder in Soft Ivory

Brows: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz in Medium Brown, filled in with Brow Bar To Go Powder (original palette) and set with Maybelline Eyestudio Brow Drama Scupting Brow Mascara in Deep Brown. Other options: NYX Micro Brow Pencil in Brunette and their Eyebrow Cake Powder in Brunette.

Eyes: L’Oreal La Palette Nude 1 used for all shadows.

  • Base: NYX Eye Base in Skin Tone
  • Crease: Number 5, 6 on the outer crease.
  • Lid: Number 4 and number 7 on the outer half of the lid.
  • Inner corner: Number 2
  • Browbone: Number 1
  • Lower lashline: Number 7 with a bit of number 4 in the middle
  • Eyeliner: L’Oreal Silkissime Liner in Gold with a bit of L’Oreal Voluminous Smoldering Kohl Liner in Brown on the outer lid.
  • Mascara: L’Oreal Telescopic Mascara in Carbon Black and L’Oreal Miss Manga Mascara

Blush: Milani Baked Blush in Rose D’Oro

Highlight: Revlon PhotoReady Skinlights Illuminator in Bare Light with Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips in Miami Glow over top.

Lips: Liner: Jordana Cosmetics Rock ‘n’ Rose.  Lipstick: Maybelline Creamy Matte Lipstick in Daringly Nude. Gloss: NYX Butter Gloss in Fortune Cookie.

Shirt and Necklace: American Eagle and Forever 21 (a few years ago for both) Similar: AEO Soft and Sexy Baby T-Shirt (almost identical) Forever 21 Snake Chain Choker.

 

Fifty Shades of Grey Inspired Makeup Looks

.Reading time 4 minutes.

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So with Valentine’s Day coming up the only thing on most people’s minds is the Fifty Shade s of Grey movie. Yes, romance is on the outs this year with the highly anticipated Mr. Grey and Ms. Steele hitting the theatres on Valentine’s Day, so naturally I wanted to create looks inspired by the movie. One look is a more innocent look from when Ana first meets Christian and the second is a more sultry look after she’s shown the ropes (that may be a pun). Anyway I think either look works for a date night in or out, or even if you’re just going to see the movie with your girls, like me! I’m also going to list some other V-Day favorites of mine below, including books, movies and music.

 

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Look 1: Innocent

Maybelline Fit Me Foundation in Dewy/Smooth in shade Porcelain

MAC Prolongwear Concealer in NC15

Tarte Amazonian Clay Brow Mousse in Medium Brown

LORAC Mega Pro shadows in Copper (Lid), Sienna (Outer corner and lower lashline), Brown (crease), Sand (inner corner). Similar: Maybelline The Nudes Palette 

Eyeliner: Jordana Cateye Liquid Liner in Black Leather (Walgreens), Loreal Smoldering Eyeliner in Brown

Cheeks : Tarte Amazonian Clay Pinup Girl Palette color, Irreplaceable. Similar: Loreal True Match Super Blendable Blush in Rosy Outlook

Highlighter: Becca Moonstone

Mascara: Loreal Miss Manga

Lips: LA Girl Lipglaze in Blushing (Found at Rite Aid)

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Look 2: Sultry. Inspired by the Red Room

Same Face products as above

Eyes: LORAC 1 Palette: Garnet (lid) Black (outercorner and lowerlash line) and Taupe (crease). Kat Von D Spellbinding Palette: WTF (lid). LORAC Mega Pro Palette: Opal (browbone and inner corner highlight). Similar: to WTF and Garnet, MAC’s Cranberry or Covergirl’s Flamed Out Shadow Pot in Red Hot Flame.

Eyeliner: Jordana Cateye eyeliner in Black Leather and Loreal Smoldering Eyeliner in Black

Eyelashes: Carli Lash by Velour Lashes (discount codes for Velour are on The Fashion Bybel, also great fashion blog!)

Blush: Tarte Amazonian Clay Pinup Girl Palette in Embraced. Similar The Balm’s Cabana Boy and Covergirl’s Cheeker Blush in Deep Plum.

Highlight: The Balm’s Mary Loumizer

Lipstick: Revlon Ultra HD Lipstick in Primrose

Lipgloss: NYX Apple Strudel

Favorites:

Dirty Book: The Boss Series by Abigale Barnette. If you liked Fifty Shades, you’ll devour this. (I think it’s even better).

Romantic Movies: A Walk to Remember, The Notebook (of course), Save the Last Dance, Dirty Dancing.

Music: some are romantic, some are sexy and some are for those single ladies.

  • We Found Each Other in the Dark by City and Colour (favorite song of all time and band)
  • Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran
  • Love on Top by Beyonce
  • There Goes My Baby by Usher
  • Stolen by Dashboard Confessional
  • Tenerife Sea by Ed Sheeran
  • I Will Follow You Into the Dark by Death Cab for Cutie
  • Rocket by Beyonce
  • Like a Star by Corinne Bailey Rae
  • Thinkin Bout You by Frank Ocean
  • That Girl by Justin Timberlake
  • Motivation Remix by Kelly Rowland, Busta Rhymes, Fabolous and Trey Songz
  • Single Ladies by Beyonce
  • Freakum Dress by Beyonce
  • Slow it Down by The Lumineers
  • Sure Thing by Miguel
  • Arch and Point by Miguel
  • Neighbors Know My Name by Trey Songz
  • Style by Taylor Swift
  • Earned It by The Weeknd
  • You Are So Beautiful to Me by Joe Cocker
  • The Girl by City and Colour
  • Crazy In Love and Haunted remixes for the Fifty Shades of Grey soundtrack by Beyonce
  • Slow Dance by Keri Hilson
  • Bad Girl by Usher