Model Behavior: Nail Your Makeup Application Like The Pro's

Ever wondered how to get fuller lashes? More coverage out of your concealer minus the cake? Or the perfect pout? Read on for the deets!

Concealer Tips:

• Apply a dab of concealer to the back of your hand to warm it up before applying it to your face. This will help the concealer blend in much better with your skin. 
• Don't forget to add a bit of concealer around the bridge of the nose, the outer corners of your eyes as well as the sides of your mouth, as the skin is thinner in these areas which causes them to appear darker
• Build up the coverage. Concealer looks most natural when applied in thin layers versus heavy applications.
• Use lightweight concealers around the delicate eye area instead of thick cakey concealer as cake concealers tend to enhance fine lines and wrinkles.  
• Use medium-heavy density concealers to cover dark blemishes and other imperfections
• Need to hide dark recessed circles? Use a concealer that is lighter than the shade of your foundation
• Need to hide dark puffy bags? Use a shade darker than your foundation 
• Have spider veins? Use a yellow-based concealer
• Sweep on a light layer of translucent powder with a medium size fluffy brush to set the concealer, leaving a flawless finish.   

Tools of the trade:

Loose Powder at Sephora
Face Concealer by M·A·C

Lipstick Tips:

• Moisturize or prime your lips before applying liner. This helps prevent feathering and also ensures your lip color will go on evenly.
• Want more of a professional look? Use a stiff lipstick brush to apply lip-color
• Always line your lips for more of a polished look. You can match the liner to your lip color, or opt for a flesh tone liner which lends a soft, natural look. 
• For rich long lasting color; apply lipstick, lightly blot with tissue then reapply lip color. 
• To give the illusion of fuller lips, dab a bit of clear gloss on the middle of your bottom lip 

Tools of the trade:

Lip Gloss by M·A·C
Lip Products by Claudia Stevens

Mascara Tips:

• Use a mascara primer to coat and separate lashes
• For thicker, fuller lashes; mix your mascara. Apply one coat of lengthening mascara, then apply one coat of thickening mascara.
• To make eyes appear brighter and wider, reach for an eyelash curler! You can curl your lashes before or after applying mascara [tip: warm the eyelash curler with a burst of warm air from your blow-dryer before using].  
• Apply mascara in three easy steps: 

1. Wiggle the wand near the base of your lashes [this darkens the area near the lash-line giving the illusion of thicker, plumper lashes]
2. Pull the wand up the lashes still wiggling the wand as you make your way up [this helps keep the lashes separated]
3. With your eyes closed, apply mascara to the top of your lashes near the base of the lash-line in the same wiggling motion, bringing the wand to the tip of the lashes

Tools of the trade:

Mascara by Ulta
Beauty Tools at Bloomingdale's

[photo source]

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Obsessive Compulsive Lip Tar Review

When I got home yesterday, I was greeted by a package I have been waiting feverishly for! A few weeks ago, I placed an order for a few tubes of Lip Tar by Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics, and I have been waiting on pins and needles ever since. Needless to say I was stoked to see if they lived up to the hype.

What Is It: [according to the website] 

A stunning new innovation in lip color, OCC Lip Tar combines the longevity of a lipstick, with the ease of application of a gloss. Goes on slick and moist, and dries down to a satin finish. Ultra-saturated in color, Lip Tar contains an unprecedented amount of pigment - a little goes a very, very long way! An intense yet featherweight layer of color that stands up to the scrutiny of Hi-Def Video and Digital Photography, without ever looking (or feeling!) heavy. Meant to be mixed, Lip Tar comes in concise array of colors for a limitless selection of shades made by you!

Like all of our products, OCC Lip Tar is 100% Vegan and Cruelty-Free, and is also free of parabens and other harsh preservatives. A simple, elegant formula that contains Hemp Oil, Peppermint Oil and Vitamin E, OCC Lip Tar feels as good on the lips as it looks!

Details:

$12.50 Per Tube
Can be purchased online, or in most PROFESSIONAL makeup stores

Ingredients:

Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Cannabis Sativa (Hemp) Oil, Mentha X Peprita (Peppermint) Oil, Tocopherol Acetate (Vitamin E)
May Contain: D&C Red #7, D&C Red #30, FD&C Blue #1, FD&C Yellow #6, Iron Oxides, Titanium Dioxide

Review:

If you are looking for highly-pigmented lip color, then this is definitely for you. These Lip Tars go on like lip gloss, however they dry with a satin-like finish. I have a hard time finding lip-color that pops against my skin, so these Lip Tars are pretty much going to be my Holy Grail of lip colors. My only qualm about this product is that it STAINS! It will pretty much stain anything it comes into contact with, including your skin [a good scrubbing will remove it].

I also recommend applying this with a lip brush versus your fingers to get more of an even, precise application. Also, while $12.50 may seem like a lot for a small tube of product, a little goes a very long way!

I only used about this much; and at this rate, this should last a year or more.

Demure was definitely one of my favorites of the bunch. This bright Fuchsia color was just the color I have been looking for.

NSFW was a close second, I loved how bright this blue-based red was against my skin - I will definitely rotate between this and my beloved Ruby Woo.

I thought this was going to be more of a plummy color, but it was more brown. Because these Lip Tars are mixable, I may add some NSFW, and a bit of black to make it a plummy fall color.

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Calling All Mixtresses: Want to Ditch Your Store Bought Facial Cleanser?

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For the past few months, I have been experimenting with more natural alternatives to incorporate in my skin-care regimen. As some of you may remember, I ditched my trusty store bought cleanser some time ago, and started relying solely upon the use of natural oils, plants, and extracts. - So far so good, my face has never looked better, and my pocket-book thanks me.

Gather your bottles, some oils, and read on for the deets!

A More Natural Alternative - The Oil Cleansing Method

Cleanse Using The OCM Method: Simply put, this method involves cleansing your skin with oils versus surfactants. Cleansing with oil is a gentle way to remove dirt, bacteria, and excess oils from your pores. Did you know that water does not dissolve oils [however, oil does]? This is why most facial cleansers on the market today are comprised of harsh surfactants. It is worth noting that products containing these surfactants can strip your face of it's natural sebum leaving your skin dry, and irritated.

Most oil cleansing formulas are 50% Castor Oil to 50% Extra Virgin Olive Oil, however you can pick the best ratio/oil type for your skin. Castor Oil is used as a base in most OCM formulations because it helps to draw out toxins, slough dead skin cells, excess sebum, and dirt from your pores, while the secondary oil acts more or less as a moisturizer, and carrier oil to deliver therapeutic properties deep into the skin. - I have very oily acne-prone skin so I use Hazelnut Oil in place of the Extra Virgin Olive Oil because it is much lighter than Olive Oil, and acts as a natural astringent/moisturizer. Hazelnut Oil is also purported to tighten and tone your skin, which is also a major plus.

My formula consists of: 60% Castor Oil, 20% Grapeseed Oil, 20% Hazelnut Oil [I also add several drops of Lavender, and Tea Tree Essential Oil]

Oils For Certain Skin Types

Oily, Acne Prone Skin: Grapeseed Oil, Hazelnut Oil, Jojoba Oil, Flax Seed, Neem Oil
Dry, Mature Skin: Evening Primrose Oil, Olive Oil, Avocado Oil, Apricot Kernel Oil
Sensitive Skin: Meadowfoam Oil, Apricot Kernel, Rosehip Oil

Extra Additives [Essential Oils]

Acne Prone Skin: Tea Tree Oil, Bergamot Oil, Clove Oil, Lavender Oil, Rosewood Oil

Dry Skin: Cedarwood, Rose, Myrrh, Chamomile, Patchouli
Oily Skin: Lemongrass, Clary Sage, Frankincense,

How To Do The Oil Cleansing Method

1. Gently massage oil mixture into your face
2. Place a clean towel under a stream of hot, running water. Lightly wring towel, and drape it over entire face for about 1-2 minutes. This opens your pores [and gives you a mini steam treatment] allowing the Castor Oil to draw the toxins out of your skin, while the secondary oil/essential oils permeates deep into the skin, lending it's moisturizing and therapeutic properties.
3. Remove towel, rinse thoroughly, and begin to wipe excess oil from face
4. After removing oil cleansing mixture, rinse face with cold water to close pores!
Cleanse face using OCM in the morning, and repeat at bedtime. 

Tone Skin

Here are two of my favorite toner recipe's:
ACV + Green Tea Toner
2oz Apple Cider Vinegar
2oz Distilled Water
3 Green Tea, teabags [high in antioxidants]
5 drops Tea Tree Oil [anti-fungal/microbal properties]
10 drops Jojoba Oil [a wonderful moisturizer that closely resembles the sebum in your skin's structure]

Boil water, add tea bags, and allow to steep for 20 minutes. Allow tea mixture to cool, and pour into a spray bottle. Add ACV, Tea tree Oil, Jojoba Oil, and mix well.

Tea Tree Toner
2oz Witch Hazel
5 drops of Tea Tree Oil
10 drops of Jojoba Oil

Mix all ingredients well, and pour in a spray bottle.

Moisturize Skin

I use about a dime-size amount of Grapeseed Oil to moisturize my skin; you can use any of the oils mentioned above that are best suited for your skin-type.

Where To Find The Materials?

Essential Oils - Texas Natural Supply - From Nature With Love - Whole Foods
Carrier Oils - Texas Natural Supply - From Nature With Love - Whole Foods

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A Single Sunbeam Is Enough To Drive Away Many Shadows - St. Francis of Assisi

When I get dressed, I tend to keep certain elements in mind that helps take the fuss out of picking and choosing outfits. This summer for me has been all about dresses, colors, patterns, and bold lips; here are a few of my favorite things [Summer Edition].

 

 

I love dresses that have a fitted waist, and flare slightly at the hip. They tend to have a lot of movement, and accentuate the curves in a woman's body without being too revealing. When looking for these types of dresses, I always gravitate to dresses with cute patterns vs. solid colors. You can usually find dresses of this type for $30 an under at stores like:
Forever 21
H&M
Zara
ASOS [Even though they are in Europe, their shipping is cheap and lightning fast]

 

 

Accessories can really pull an outfit together, and help set you apart from the 5,452 people that may have purchased the same piece. I like to opt for stand-out accessories vs matching my accessories to my outfit because it really creates more of a unique, "stylish" look. Oftentimes my outfits are plain "as-is", but it is the accessories/styling that brings them to life.

If your outfit is:

Navy Blue + White = Red Accessories
Brown = Yellow/Orange Accessories
Blue + White = Yellow Accessories
Red = White Accessories

 

 

Pile it on! The brighter the better! I love bright fuchsia's, and deep dark reds! Pictured from left to right is:

Intriguing by Stila : This is a velvety smooth, matte fuchsia color, that I am wearing in the pictures today [Although it's matte, it doesn't dry my lips out, which is a major plus].
Ruby Woo by MAC: This is hands down my favorite red of all time! 

 

 

I love the juxtaposition of ultra feminine dresses paired with worn, rugged boots; it gives you instant edge factor vs a Pollyanna look. Because these boots can run a pretty penny, I usually hold out until I find a sale, or shop at places like:

DSW [which is where I got these Ralph Lauren Boots]
TJ Maxx
Ross
Marshall's

 

 

Nail polish really completes the look! This summer, look for bright colored lacquer, and sweet, minty pastels. OPI is my favorite brand, & here are my fav colors of the moment [from left-right]:

OPI Gargantuan Green Grape [a minty green]

OPI No Room For The Blues 

OPI It Color

 

 

Cover FX: Setting FX - This is hands down the best translucent powder I have tried to date. It perfectly sets your makeup without giving you a "ghostly" appearance, and is sheer enough so that you can wear it in the daytime. 

Smashbox: Anti-Shine - My face is extremely shiny, and this is the one product that keeps my face matte for up to 8 hours, even while in direct sunlight! I dab this on my t-zone [and anywhere else I am prone to shininess] before I apply my makeup. 

Make Up Forever:  Face & Body Makeup - A true staple for me, the coverage is sheer yet it still manages to even out skin tone, while giving your face a healthy, dewy glow.

 

Dress * Zara
Belt * Thrifted
Purse * Zara
Boots * Ralph Lauren
Jewelry * Forever 21

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The Budget Fashionista: My Top Pics For Make Up + Skin Care

[source]

Make Up

NYX | Why I Love It: NYX makeup goes on smooth and ultra pigmented. NYX has a wide range of colors suitable for most skin colors, and at around $1.99-3.99 a pop, it is the perfect go-to eyeshadow for the fashionista on a budget. Some NYX colors are also comparable in color payoff and quality to MAC eyeshadows; here are a few that I have tried and hold up well to their MAC counterparts:

MAC Coco - NYX Beanie
MAC Coppering - NYX Copper
MAC Cranberry - NYX Rust 
MAC Electric Eel - NYX Irises
MAC Amber Lights - NYX Golden

Where To Buy It: 

NYX Website
Ulta [In store only]
Some Asian owned beauty supply stores

Revlon Colorstay Liquid Foundation $12.99 | Why I Love It: This gives me a flawless even finish which reminds me of the Studio Fix by MAC, without the "cake-y" look. This is the only drugstore brand foundation that gives me buildable coverage without the "ashy" look.

Where To Buy It:

Walgreens
CVS
Rite Aid

Milani | Why I Love It: Just like NYX, Milani's eye-shadow's go on on ultra smooth and pigmented. I love the "Runway Eyes" collection, the colors are all in the same family [so you can play with layering], and you get SIX colors for $8.99. Milani also makes colors that are comparable in quality and color payoff to MAC; and here are a few that I have tried:

MAC Banshee - Milani Spice

MAC Brulee - Milani Almondine

MAC Humid - Milani Clover

MAC Noctournelle - Milani Shock

MAC Nylon - Milani Classic Beige

Where To Buy It:

Walgreens
CVS
Rite Aid

Skin Care 

Extra Virgin Olive Oil | How I Use It:

Using to cleanse face via the Oil Cleansing Method
Rubbing a dab of Olive Oil mixed with a drop of Vitamin E helps to moisturize cuticles

Monoi De Tahiti Oil | How I Use It: 

As an after bath skin moisturizer; I apply this after applying my lotion to seal in the moisture
I use it in lieu of shaving cream for my legs [it makes for a closer shave, and leaves your skin silky-smooth]

Where to buy it:

From Nature With Love
Trader Joe's [Monoi De Tahiti Oil]
Grapeseed Oil | How I Use It:

All the glory goes to my mother for this little beauty secret! I use Grapeseed Oil on my feet before bedtime, and they are the smoothest they have been since I was a child! Seriously. Massage some Grapeseed Oil on your feet, and cover with socks at bedtime; try this religiously, and you should notice a difference within a week. 

Grapeseed Oil can also act as a makeup remover as well!

Witch-hazel | How I Use It: 

Witch Hazel can be used as a toner/cleanser or astringent, and helps treat moderate forms of acne. I simply add a bit to a cotton ball, and lightly rub my face with it after cleansing.

Witch Hazel can be found in stores like: [I normally find it in the First Aid isle]:
Target
Walmart
CVS
Walgreens
Rite Aid

Pictorial: For The Eyeshadow Challenged - Fresh Look For Summer

There is something about summer days that always has me longing for a fresh-faced glow. I usually turn towards peachy colors, and earthy pinks; nude lips are also a staple. I like my summer day-time makeup to be clean, and uber feminine.

I would definitely consider myself to be challenged in the makeup department, as I have far more tools than I know what to do with, as well as colors I am afraid to experiment with. Over the years, I have acquired little tips and tricks that takes the fuss out of "making face" and offers consistent results all the time.

Because I am not the best at blending, I find it easiest for me to work with no more than 2 colors. I always use a lighter color in the inner lid, and a darker complimenting color on the outer lid to add a bit more depth to my eyes. During the day, I usually like to skip the black eyeliner [as it has a tendency to look harsh sometimes] and instead opt for more of a dark shimmery brown liner.

Some of you may experience more of an "ashy look" when you apply your eyeshadow, and to remedy that, I would recommend using a NYX Eyeshadow pencil like the ones illustrated in the tutorial as they tend to really make eyeshadow colors pop against darker skin tones. Just apply the Eyeshadow pencil over your base, then pack on your eyeshadow of choice - If you are going to use a NYX Eyeshadow pencil, try to pick a color that is in the same family as your eyeshadow. These pencils are under FIVE DOLLARS so go ahead and splurge a little, take a few different colors home with you, and start to experiment.

Here are the tools you will need to create this look:

Nars Blade Runner Quad [We are going to use the deep rusty red color]
Nars Cairo Quad 
NYX Rust Eyeshadow Pencil
NYX Yogurt Eyeshadow Pencil

I only used two out of three of these brushes; The 217 & the 242. I use the 242 for packing on the color, and the 217 for blending out the color. These are pretty much the only two brushes I ever use. I only use the 219 pencil brush when I want to make a "cat eye", and for sweeping color under the waterline. Using some sort of eyeshadow base is key if you want a seamless crease free lid, and color that lasts almost all day. Urban Decay Primer Potion just happens to be my favorite.

1. First start off by applying your eyeshadow base of choice all over your lids, and allow to sit for a few minutes until dry.

2. Next take the Yogurt NYX pencil, and apply it from the inner corner, stopping just short of the middle of your eyelid

3. Take the rust pencil, and start from the middle of the eyelid, sweeping the color back to the end of your lid

4. Now take your 242 and begin to pack Cairo on top of the Yogurt color

5. With the same brush, pack on the dark rosey color from the Nars Blade Runner quad on top of the Rust color

6. Now it's time to BLEND

Starting in the center of your lid, take your 217 brush [note: my 217 brush had dark eyeshadow on it so I used another brush similar to the 217] and begin to blend in an outward motion [away from the inner eye].

Make sure to blend the crease area by making "windshield wiper" like motions to blend any harsh line where your lid and crease meet. I do not add any makeup to my blending brush, I am just using the brush to blend out the lines. I never allow the blending brush to touch the center of my eyelid, as I don't want any of the darker color there. I don't mind blending the darker color ABOVE the center of the lid along the crease line, but not on the actual lid. I find the colors get muddy if I blend them all together.

Make sure you blend out [towards the outer edge of the eye] -

7. Now you can add some eyeliner, mascara and lip color if you like; since this is a daytime look, I used a softer eyeliner pencil, a pink nude gloss, and more of a natural mascara.

Sephora Eyeliner Pencil in Glitter Brown
Benefit Bad Gal Lash Mascara
Nars Giza Lip Gloss