My First - Very Quick Natural Smokey Eye Tutorial!

My First Tutorial...
A Natural Smokey Eye, using purples and golds, which are GREAT for people with brown/hazel eyes.

Most Importantly guys - forgive my appearance. I had already washed my face for the day, and I haven't done my eyebrows in a long time.

I always start my make up by doing my concealor/foundation/powder first. I know this is probably against the rules, its just how I like to do it. But you can skip that if you like to do it after.

Start with an eyeshadow primer - I use E.L.F Shadow Primer, which only cost me a dollar on E.L.F. I dab a bit on, and then use my foundation brush to smooth it out a little.

After your primer is on, I find it EXTREMELY helpful to use a piece of scotch tape to dictate where your shadow will end and it will also give a line for your liquid liner. Be sure to have the tape even on both eyes.

I used Covergirls "Opal Dust" shadow as a base. This is a slightly shimmery lavender shadow. Just brush it on the lid with my creasing brush (I know, thats not what the brush is for but I use the brushes in way that makes applying the make up easiest for me, since as you all know I'm new to make up).

Next, using my creasing brush (after wiping it clean), I applied Physicians Formula gold shadow from the "Baked Spices" pallet to the entire length of my crease, and over the outer half of my lid. I blended it a little bit using the same brush.

For the outer "smokey" color, I used a maroon/purple shade from Maybelline NY's "Designer Chocolates" pallet. I applied this with a smudge brush, to the very outer corner of the lid, and the outer half of my crease line. I then went in with a blending brush and blended it out as far high as I wanted out to the tape.

Next, from the same Maybelline pallet I used a nude shimmer to highlight my brow line, and the very inside corner of my eye with the smudge brush.

Now, my least favorite part: liquid liner (I'm using Maybelline's Line Stiletto). I rarely use a liner because sometimes it can be way too harsh, and most of the time I'm not doing anything that requires any make up at all- never mind a hard black wing. I never start at the inside corner with my liner, mainly because I just don't like the way it looks, but if you like to, go ahead and start there. And follow that line up the tape for a nice straight, smooth liner.

Curl your lashes, and then add mascara. My current favorite mascara is L'Oreal's Voluminous Carbon Black. And, I always close my eye and put a coat on the top of my lashes, and then open, and apply it normally. I find this makes my lashes look more full and a lot longer.

Now, you can take the tape off, and do your bottom lashes if you like. I always mess my makeup up completely by trying to do my bottom lashes, so I steer clear of mascara on them. If you don't like the hard line of the shadow, be sure to blend it in a little more to where the tape was. Also, if you did your foundation first like I do, you may want to dab a little more on with your foundation brush where the tape was because when you take the tape off, you take your foundation with it.

I know this isn't really a great tutorial, but, if I can do this, anyone can! Hope you all enjoy!!

My First Tutorial... Most Importantly guys - forgive my appearance. 

#WeAreOne - Remembering 4-15-13

One year ago today, four people lost their lives- including a young boy. Many wounded who today have learned to walk, run, dance, and smile again. So many families effected. Countless first responders who showed courage, selflessness, and bravery. And a city, that came together in such a tragic time to hold one another up. I remember where I was, exactly what I was doing, and exactly what I felt inside. It makes me so sad that things like this really happen in the world, but it also makes me proud, and it makes me hopeful that there are still good people who help instead of hurt. Thinking of all those effected, especially the Richard family, who lost a young son, a brother, an infectious smile.

You can make a difference - Donate to the One Fund by visiting www.OneFundBoston.org 

or you can send your donations to:

One Fund Boston Inc.

PO Box 990009

Boston, MA 02199

Quick Tips for Cleaning Make-up Brushes at Home

Hey guys, if you know me, you know I am frugal. I don't like spending money if I don't have to, and I certainly don't want to spend a pocketful on something to clean  my make up brushes with. So, I did a little snooping online and I found a way to to safely clean your brushes at home with things you already have lying around! And - It's easier than you could ever imagine! 

What you'll need:

-brushes

-bar of soap 

-water

-face cloth or paper towel

Step 1: Wet your bar of soap, and your brushes. Be sure not to get your brushes wet above the metal band, if you do, the brissles are more likely to fall out.

Step 2: Rub your brush in a circular motion on the bar of soap. If you like (I do), massage the brush to make sure you get the soap all the way through. 

Step 3: Rinse your brushes in lukewarm water, again making sure to not get above the metal wet. 

Step 4: Pat your brushes dry on a clean face cloth or paper towel. 

Using a bar of soap is easy and convenient, and an added bonus is that now a days, most soaps are made with moisturizers, so you will be cleaning and moisturizing your brushes at the same time. 

Another way to clean your brushes is to mix equal parts olive oil and shampoo in a jar or tin and mix well, dip your brushes in, and rinse them under lukewarm water. Olive oil is a great moisturizer and will leave your brushes in great condition!

Ocean State Job Lot Haul

Hey guys! I've been out of work for a while so I decided to go on a hunt for some good make - up for good prices yesterday. I had a blast, and I made out like a bandit... Look at the gems I found!

Brushes:

I never could have imagined how much of a difference using brushes to apply make up makes! I literally used to dot my cover up on my hand, and rub it all over my face. After countless youtube videos I've learned a lot about contouring, highlighting, and putting make up on in general (although no amount of "smokey eye for dummies" videos I watch, I will never know how to do it). This is sort of a cheaper set - its called Eco Tools by Alicia Silverstone, and for the most part the work incredibly! It was only $5 for the holder and the brushes ( minus the eyelash curler).  However, I'm still learning what each brush is for. If your looking for new brushes, head over to eyeslipsface.com, they have them for as little as $1, and right now (4/11) they are having a half off everything sale! 

Concealer:

Almay Clear Complexion Concealer + Treatment Gel - THE MOST PERFECT PRODUCT EVER! How awesome to have an acne/blemish treatment in the same tube as your concealer! Both work really great. The concealer goes on so smooth, and it really is great coverage!  A little goes a long way. I use shade 200 light/medium, and I got it at OSJL for $1!! At Wal-Mart, this product goes for around $6-7. Definitely recommend it!!

Foundation:

I always have such a hard time choosing which shade of foundation I should buy (mainly because in my head I'm much tanner than I actually am) so I always look weird because it was never the right color. I was SO impressed with this Almay smart shade smart balance. It comes out of the tube white (which made me a little scared because I have more of an olive skin tone) but it really does adjust to your skin tone. This product can go for as much as $15 at a local drug store, but I got it at OSJL for only $4! Such a steal !!

I use this Revlon Colorstay Whipped creme make up in shade 400- Early Tan to contour my face ( mainly under my cheeks, along my hairline on my forehead, outside of my nose, and along my jawline). It is such a nice texture, and for only $4 (goes for $14.99 at CVS) I couldn't help it! I loooooove this product!

Eyeliner/Shadow:

I was a little bummed because I accidentally bought green/moss color, but it actually looks very pretty with my brown eyes. The E.L.F Eyeshadow and liner stick only cost me $1 at OSJL, and like I said, it was a pleasant surprise. Its very easy to make a smokey look with this shadow stick, or, you can use it as a liner. It's perfect! This product is only $3 on the eyeslipsface.com, and they have more than just moss green to choose from! 

This Physicians Formula eyeshadow is from the baked collection, "Baked Spices" pallet (12270A). It is a little to shimmery for me, but if your using them with matte/flat eye shadows for a smokey eye, they are PERFECT! This goes for $7.99 at CVS, I got it for $2 at OSJL

Lipstick:

I've never been one to wear lipstick, but I wanted to start with a nudish color, pale pinks, more natural colors before I try bold. This Color Whisper goes for $6.49 at CVS. I got it for $1.99 at OSJL. The shade is 255- Ravishing Pink, and in my opinion, everyone with my skin tone needs to own this color! I'm so in love with it. It is NOT high gloss, and it is super moisturizing! Such a steal!! 

Beauty Tip for Feb 7th

Ladies! The other day I was using my blow dryer and realized it wasn't working as well as it usually does. It took me almost twice as long to blow dry my hair. Tonight, I dropped my blow dryer and the plastic piece on the back popped open and exposed the disgusting dust mess that taken over the back fan part of my dryer. Don't forget to clean that part of your dryer. Not only will it make your dryer run like normal, but I'm fairly certain it is a fire hazard to have all that dust blocking the end.  That's it, for now! 

New Product Review

You guys are probably sick of this by now (all 3 of you that actually read this blog) but I got a new hair product today and wanted to share what I thought about it. 

Pantene Pro-V Cleansing Conditioner Color Preserve. 

I am ALL for trying color preserve products since my red had been so hard to maintain. While I was looking at another PPV product I read about, I came across this. I was super interested since I don't wash my hair everyday, but it always gets greasy after the second day without washing. I enjoy the idea of a conditioner that cleanses because that would take elevate the damage that everyday shampooing does. I also love that it is sulfate free! Naturally I went online and read other peoples reviews and saw nothing but great things! The only really negative thing I saw was that it has menthol in it so it can cause a burning sensation on your scalp. Which, I could feel tingling but no burning. I don't have very sensitive skin so it could be worse for you if you do. I thoroughly enjoy the smell of this product! Even though this is only my first use, I like this product and recommend it if you are like me in trying to not wash your hair so often with shampoo. It is still good to wash every 2-3 days. 

Tips & Tricks; Box Hair Dye Edition

Okay, let's face it... we've all done stuff we were told specifically not to do. In today's case, we're talking about box hair dye. I know, even the thought of it probably kills you hairdressers and self-proclaimed beauticians. But today I'm going to give you a few helpful tips on how to get the best result using a drug store bought box hair dye. I've got to be honest, I started dying my hair out of the box when I was in college. Before that, I had my hair chemically altered one time, and that was highlights for my senior year book picture. 

Once I was in college, I started to experiment... okay get your mind out of the gutter, I mean with hair dye. I went from my natural dark brown to light brown, to blonde, to jet black. Needless to say, this really took a toll on my hair. I hit a road block though, when I wanted to get my jet midnight black hair back to my natural brown. That's where my friend Lela came in. She is literally a hair GODDESS. She helped me get back to my natural brown but we had to lift the black out, then deposit the brown. It was a long process, and it really killed my hair. Shortly after, I wanted to go red, not fire engine red. But, burgundy. We tried that, and it was hard to maintain, so I decided to go back to dark brown, but with caramel highlights. Oh my God did I love it!! However, life happened and I wasn't able to keep having her touch up my highlights, so I decided to take matter into my own hands.  *Cue dramatic music*

In the beginning of December, on an unexpected snowy day off, I was browsing pinterest and came across a color I just HAD to have; it was a brown-reddish-pinky color. Makes no sense, I know. So without further consideration, I hopped into my car and drove to my local CVS, where I found a color so similar to the one I had seen on pinterest. It was only $3.99 (Revlon Colorsilk - Shade Burgundy), and I have long hair so I bought two boxes and went home and died it. I was in love with the color, but it only lasted a whole 3 days. So, a week later, I bought it again, and dyed it again. The same thing happened. 

So I waited a few weeks and tried a different brand ($8.99 Garnier Olia - Shade Dark Red Garnet). And, before I dyed it, I researched some stuff (on google, and reviews on the products I was using). I did what I had read, and OH MY GOD. It made such a huge difference. Dying so many times has caused me so much frustration, and so much damage to my hair, I thought I would share some helpful tips and tricks with my readers to help make your experience a little more pleasant.

** I will post pictures and costs of the products I recommend at the end of this post **

For starters, when it comes to box dye, it's true, the more expensive, the better. In all honesty, I favor the new Garnier Olia. Also, remember, if you have long, thick hair, you will probably need two boxes. 

ATLEAST 24 HOURS PRIOR TO DYING: Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo to get rid of the buildup your products have left behind over time. I noticed this really makes a difference in how well the color takes to your hair. I bought Suave Daily Clarifying Shampoo for $1.94 at Walmart. If you don't want to use a clarifying shampoo, do not wash your hair 24 hours prior to coloring.

Prep: If you're anything like me, you'll make a mess. Make sure you have on crappy clothes, and have towels or bags laid out to catch any dye that might escape your locks. Also - use vaseline around your hairline, on your ears, and the back of your neck to help with your skin getting dyed. Section your hair into at least 4 equal parts to better ensure coverage. 

During Application: Make sure you shake the mixture (away from your face) really well. Work on only one section at a time. If you have color treated hair already, I suggest you start with mid-shaft to ends, and then go back and cover all your roots. I also like to leave the dye on for 10-15 minutes longer than directions suggest. Then, I put a plastic grocery bag on my head. Before rinsing, I like to massage the dye into my hair without adding water.

RINSING: Be sure to use cool water, and rinse until the water runs mostly clear. DO NOT SHAMPOO THE DYE OUT. Use the conditioner that came in the box. (If you got two boxes, I recommend using the second tube of conditioner after washing your hair for the first time after dying.) REMEMBER TO RINSE WITH COOL WATER, COLD IF YOU CAN TOLERATE IT

AfterCare: This part is SO important to maintain color, especially reds. Towel dry your hair (be mindful of the color of the towel so your hair doesn't bleed all over your brand new white towels). While it is still damp, use a leave-in conditioner. Only a small amount (dime sized, usually). Apply to mid-shafts and ends only. If you use it on your roots, your hair will look greasy faster. Try not to go to sleep with wet hair. And, don't put your hair up in an elastic while it is wet. Both of these things will make your hair more prone to breakage. If you're going to blow dry and/or straighten - I highly recommend using a heat protection. And, finish it off, (once it is dry) with a smoothing serum. 

It is important that you DO NOT wash your hair everyday. And after dying, be sure to use a sulfate free or color safe shampoo and conditioner. Also, I seriously suggest you guys do a deep conditioning treatment once a week. And when washing; ALWAYS RINSE WITH COOL WATER. Hot water can be very damaging to your hair, and also fades color super fast! 

These are SOME of the products I use and highly recommend! (Photos are below descriptions)

Shampoo & Conditioner: Refer to my last post. I switch between Clear, Vidal Sassoon Color Care, and Suave Keratin Infusion Color Care. None of which are expensive. 

Deep Conditioner: I use ApHogee Intensive 2 Minute Keratin Reconstructor, Which can be found at Sally's for roughly $10-12. It literally works wonders! 

Leave-In Conditioner: I use Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion Heat Defense Leave -In. It costs $3.99 at Stop and Shop. I LOVE IT. 

For Heat Protection: John Frieda Heat Defeat Protective Styling Spray. I got it at CVS on sale for $6.99. I wouldn't straighten my hair without this!

Smoothing Serum: TRESemme Keratin Smooth- Keratin infusing smoothing serum. This was on sale at stop and stop for $3.99 and I absolutely love it. Smells and works incredible!

---* Well guys I hope this was helpful. Feel free to leave comments with your suggestions and/or opinions!