Dress Up Your Lips!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!!!

With Christmas lights up on every street, Christmas carols on every radio station, seeing Christmas trees on top of cars being taken home every evening, it's hard not to get into the holiday spirit.  

This is definitely the busiest time of the year.  So many engagements and parties to attend...from company parties, to even hosting your own holiday party...or even if you are just attending a local Christmas party at a bar or club.  Everyone always wants to look fabulous. So here's my #1 rule for this holiday:  

Dress up your lips. 

There's no better excuse than the HOLIDAYS to put a little color on your lips. If you don't wear lipstick regularly, this is your chance to take a chance. Don't be shy, just apply. :)



I have 3 different lip colors to hopefully inspire you some way.

Hopefully you can relate to one and wear it for an upcoming holiday event. Or hey!  Just wear it to wear it. :)



This first color is definitely more neutral. So if you don't want too much color or if you are a little timid about bold lip colors, this is a safe yet beautiful color for you. 

Every product I use to create this lip you can find at most drugstores. 

The lip liner I used is from "Jordana Cosmetics"...(I got mine at Wal Greens for about $2.50) in the color "Tawny". The actual lipstick itself is from "Covergirl's" new blastlipstick. Its comes in a duo stick and this particular one is called "tease". I used the nude-ish color. I think I got it for around $9-$10 and I got a second one for half off. After applying the lipstick, I put a thin coat of lip gloss on to give it a little shimmer. It's from L.A. Colors called "butterscotch". I've had this gloss for a long time  so I don't remember where or how much I got it for. 

This second lip is probably the most popular during the holidays. It's your classic red lip. 

 

 

This picture does this red no justice...but it's my favorite red lip stick.  It's also from "Revlon." I lined it with a darker red shade then  just filled my lips with the lipstick. You can definitely color your lips with the lip liner before you apply your lipstick for a longer, lasting wear...but I love this lipstick and I don't think it really needs that.  And just to spice it up a bit, I also spackled a little bit of a red, shimmery lip gloss on top.  You could leave it mat, but I think the sparkles and glitter make it more "holiday-ish".  :)

 

This next lipstick is one of my very favorites to wear. It's a purplish plum color called "Rebel" from MAC.

This lipstick is super long lasting....I absolutely love!  I also lined my lips with a "Jordana" lip liner called "Cabernet".  It's such a beautiful, bold color.  I've worn this lipstick out and it seriously stayed on all night!  I need touch it up a little here and there, but every time I looked in the mirror I was very surprised by how the color was still so efficient.  It's fantastic.  Perfect for the holidays.

 

 

They (whoever "they" are) say that when you have a bold lip, have a more simple or neutral eye...if you have a dramatic eye, have a more simple or neutral lip.  In my opinion, that works for an "everyday look"...however, it's the perfect time of the year to break some rules.  Wear your dramatic eye and your bold lip!  It's the HOLIDAYS and it looks great!  I did some dramatic eye looks with these lipsticks and mixed and matched them. I also did a very neutral eye.  Definitely do what you are more comfortable with...but I say GO FOR IT!  :)  Here are some pictures just in case you need ideas. 

 

I hope you guys found this a little inspiring and I really hope you try out one of these looks.  If you have any other questions about anything, please don't be shy.

 

THANK YOU FOR STOPPING! 

 

 

MERRY, MERRY, MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!~

 



Some Things New

Trying new things are a little nerve-wrecking aren't they? 

Even if it's something as simple as trying something new on a food menu.  We get so comfortable in what we know, so sometimes we choose to just go with the same thing..."the safe route."

In the past few months, I've came across some new products.  Most of them I wanted to try because people talked them up. 

I also reunited with a product that almost forgot just how much I LOVED until I started using it again.   

I thought I could share these things with you guys and what I think of them.

Enjoy!


These are MAYBELLINE'S "BABY LIPS." 

They are lip balms with SPF.  The one on the left is called "pink punch" and the one on the right is "peach kiss."  They actually work pretty well.  I wouldn't substitute them for my every day chap stick, but they are nice when you want a little color without having to use a lipstick or lip gloss. 

The only problem I have is that when I use "pink punch" and I've worn it for a couple hours or so, it leaves those white creases in your inner lips...which I hate.  But when I use "peach kiss" it doesn't have that problem.

You pretty much can find these at any drugstore for about $3.

I have tried a few "elf" products.  They are usually more affordable than most drug store brands and I found that some of their products work fabulously. 

This is a blush called "pink passion."  It exudes a very "barbie pink" color.  It's very flirty and stays on very well. 

I also got another color but it didn't work as well as this color. 

I really recommend this color for spring.  It's bright and long lasting...what more can you ask for? 

Of all things, I am most skeptical about moisturizers.  I have eczema, which is very dry and itchy skin.  Someone with the same problem told me to try out this Aveeno night moisturizer and let me tell you!!!...it is AH-MAY-ZING!  It feels SO nice and silky without being too thick. 

The best thing about this product is how it makes your face feel when you wake up in the morning.  It feels so smooth...just fabulous!  It didn't take me weeks to fall in love with this product...it literally took me just one day! 

I really recommend this to anyone, even if you don't have a skin condition. 

You could get this at a Target or Walmart, probably most drug stores for about $15.  I know, it sounds a little expensive but IT WORKS!  It's well worth the money.

This next product is my new favorite concealer.  I have used it before but it's one of those things I kind of overlooked.  This is a concealer from "Mary Kay" in the color "beige." 

It's very light and doesn't get or look cakey, but it covers very well. 

I have really bad eye allergies so that causes the skin around my eyes to get really red.  With just a small amount of product, this concealer hides the redness. 

I been using this next product for about 2 weeks now.  I think it's farely new to MAC.  It's a face moisturizer with a gel base.  I was very skeptical about getting this because it doesn't have any SPF in it, and it's good to wear SPF on a daily basis.  However, my foundation has SPF in it so I thought I would give this moisturizer a try.

I really, really like this moisturizer.  It's fresh and not super creamy.  Like I said, it's gel based.  It doesn't feel like your covering your face in a thick lotion.  It's really amazing. 

I would definitely urge you to give it a try. 

I got this  next product because it was totally talked up by one of my favorite "you tubers."  It is LANCOME'S "GENIFIQUE." 

It's a youth activating concentrate.  Pretty much it's suppose to make your skin look and feel young. 

It just did not work for me.  I definitely didn't hate it, but it just didn't make that big of a difference.  I didn't see any big changes or anything significant and I used it for at least 2 months. 

It just didn't wow me and for something so expensive I feel like it should have. 

Just because it didn't work for me, doesn't mean it won't work for you though.  Like I said, it is very talked up so it obviously works for some people. 

I have been looking for a kohl pencil.  I don't wear eye liner daily because my eyes are so watery that my liner will come off after wearing it for a couple hours.  However, I went ahead and got this MILANI pencil...their "LIQUIF'EYE" liner. 

Again, it was talked up by one of my favorite make up artist on "YOU TUBE" and it was claimed to be a smudge proof liner and recommended for people with watery eyes...sad to say, I found that it was still smudgy.  Not drastically, but it didn't stay on my water line very well. 

It is very easy to apply.  It goes on very smooth and applies a  beautiful color, but if you have super watery eyes like I do, I don't recommend it for a smudge proof liner.  But if you don't have a problem with watery eyes, I would definitely get this liner.  It's affordable and you can get it pretty much at any drug store.

I did find another use for the liner. YAY!  I'm using it for a brow color.  I don't ever apply pencil on directly, but I use a small angled brush to grab the product than apply. 

I have been using this "MINERALIZE SKIN FINISH" powder in "dark" from MAC for years as a "bronzer."  When I really got into make up, I used regular bronzers but always found it hard to find something that didn't look "muddy."  I just felt it didn't look as natural as I wanted. 

This powder gives off more of a natural, sun-kiss tone.  It's so perfect for Spring and Summer.  Some times I don't even use blush when I apply this on.  It's just the perfect balance of color. 

It has a small amount of shimmer but nothing fancy. 

I LOVE this!

These cute little bottles aren't beauty products.  They are little 1.5 oz. room sprays from "Bath and Body Works."  It doesn't take much to change the aroma of your room.  Just a few quick burst.  They are also ONLY $5! 

I have "Tiki Beach" and "Poppy Sunshine." 

Tiki Beach is more of a masculine smell.  It reminds me of a bachelor pad.  haha...Poppy Sunshine is very outdoorsy...both are a little strong. 

They have other scents as well.   :)

This next product is my "Reunited and it feels so GOOD" product I mentioned.  This is MAC's "Prep and Prime."  It's a face primer.  I mentioned the importance of face primers before, and this knocks any other face primer I have tried out of the water. 

I just started using this primer again about 2 weeks ago.  Feel in love with it all over again.  It's gives such an amazing feel to your face before and after you put apply your face make up on.  Whether it's light powder or foundation, this primer makes such a difference in how your make up feels, and how long lasting your make up stays on. 

I really REALLY recommend this product to anyone. 

If you have problems with keeping your foundation on or applying it evenly, this primer helps.  It's so smooth and gives kind of a satin feel to your face.  Your make up will stay on all day. 

I absolutely love this!

Please let me know if any of these reviews helped you guys out. 

As always, thank you for stopping by! 

:)

P.S.  I think reviews will be easier on video...once I get my camera, maybe videos will work better?  What do you think?

A ONCE IN A LIFE TIME DRESS

"To be well dressed is a little like being in love."

Have you ever put a piece of clothing on, and it made you feel a certain way?  Say for instance, you put on a little black dress...did you feel sexy?   Or how about a floral summer dress, did it make you feel pretty?  And maybe wearing jeans and a tee makes you feel comfortable. 

A couple weeks ago, I tried on some wedding dresses for the very first time.  The feeling you get when you slip into one, even if it's not "the one", is much like what you would feel if you were in a fairy tale.  It brought such confidence and love into my heart.  It's an emotional feeling rather than a physical feeling...it's truly amazing. 

Speaking of fairy tales, I tried on a dress from the "Disney Princess Collection" by Alfred Angelo.  Although it's not the style I was looking for, it was still fun to play a dress up.

You can't see it much in the picture, but the whole skirt was sparkly.

 The top was my favorite part of the dress.  It was also very sparkly, but I loved the overlapping textures of the fabric. 

Here's a picture of the dress on a manacan. If you are going for a ball gown look, I would definitely recommend trying this one on.  :)

The style dress I'm looking for is actually a mermaid cut.  I thought I would share with you guys a couple that I played with.

This dress here is also by Alfred Angelo.  It's made out of Italian silk so you know this baby was expensive.  I love the train of this dress.  It was beautifully embroidered on the edges.  Very, very classic.      

In my opinion, if you are getting married in a church but don't want a puffy ball gown, this dress will totally fit your style.

This next dress had a little too much going on at the bottom for my taste.  Not that you shouldn't or can't have a dramatic skirt, I just didn't like the design.   However, the top was pretty.  The bling was there up top but it was done tastefully...still not really what I was looking for though. 

This next dress is the most expensive dress I tried on that day.  It's $2,600!  Again, Italian silk and I believe Swarawski (is that how you spell it? lol) crystals.  It reminded me of what the upper class people on the Titanic would wear.  lol.  Very pretty, but again, not my style.

This next dress is the VERY FIRST wedding dress I tried on, so it holds a special place in my heart.  When I looked in the mirror, I actually was very pleased.  Although it was a little plain and wasn't exactly the cut I wanted, I was excited to continue!!! 

Originally, I wanted a completely plain dress, nothing fancy.  I didn't want to stress over all the little details, because I know I can get a bit nit picky and particular.  I didn't realize how plain this dress actually looked until I reviewed the pictures.  Good thing I had my paparazzi there.   ;)

I tried on a good 20 dresses on that day.  Not because I wasn't satisfied with any of them, but just for fun.  I actually think I may have found "the one". 

My consultant at one of the shops was so awesome.  She's the one who played dress up with me.  If she wasn't so willing, I don't know if I would ever have tried on all those different dresses...especially the styles that didn't fit my criteria.  But I am sure glad I had that chance. 

MY ADVICE:

1.  BE OPEN MINDED:  I know many brides go in a store knowing EXACTLY what they want.  I thought I did too.  But remember, keep an open mind.  Don't get so caught up in "THE PERFECT DRESS" you have in your head that you totally stress yourself out if you can't find it. 

The dress I ended up liking the most (which I didn't post) was something I would have never tried.  I didn't like it on the hanger.  With that said...

2.  DON'T JUDGE A DRESS ON THE HANGER:  It just looks so different on.  When my consultant unzipped that big, plastic bag...took the dress out, my very first thought was "EW, I'm not going to like this."  As I walked out of the dressing room, I got nothing but happy faces from my sisters.  I turned to look in the mirror and I COULDN'T BELIEVE how much I absolutely loved it!  I couldn't believe it was the same dress!!!  So as you all heard before, "don't judge a book by it's cover."  You will truly be amazed. 

3.  TRY TRY TRY:  I suppose this kind of goes with #2.  But the main reason why I say to try is because not only does a dress look different on a hanger, but a dress also looks different in pictures that we see online or even in magazines.  I know I have searched online and saved pictures of dresses I like but don't depend on that. 
After seeing that dress (my favorite) on me, my sisters mentioned that they didn't see that particular dress in the catalog.  The consultant mentioned that it was actually in there.  After going through the catalog again, they realized that it was in there...it just looked so different on a real person in real life. 
Your body is different than the model that has the dress on.  It doesn't matter if you are bigger or smaller than the model, the dress will look different on everyone.  So make sure you TRY TRY TRY ON!  :) 

4.  TAKE PICTURES:  Your wedding day is going to be one of the most, if not the most, photographed day of your life.  As I said with the first dress I tried on, I was actually impressed with it.  But after reviewing the pictures,  I didn't like the dress.  It was just too plain and the elegance it had in person wasn't there in the pictures.  So not only do you have to make sure your dress looks good in person, you have to make sure it looks just as good if pictures. 

5.  PLAY:  Not so you can open up your selection, but really just for FUN!  This is a once in a life time experience.  When else are you going to try on all these different, fancy gowns?   I'm glad I did.  Originally I wasn't going to.  I just wanted to focus on "my dress"...I was on a mission!  lol...but it was so fun. However, I started trying on all the "fun dresses" AFTER I tried on my real potential wedding dresses. 

(some lace)

This is a once in a life time dress...YOUR once in a life time dress.  Yes, make sure you are completely satisfied with what you wear on your special day, but don't kill yourself over it.  Every dress is beautiful in it's own way, and every dress may look great on you, but it's finding the one that makes you have "that feeling".  Everyone's definition of how you should feel when you find  "the one" is different... so what's your's?

Day to Night

HEY EVERYONE!  Sorry it's been sooooo dang long!  It's about time to put these pictures up.  I had them in my computer for almost a month now...this was actually the day I got engaged.  <3

(For those who don't know, I'm now engaged to my best friend and the best man ever.  YAY!)

(Here we are on that day...I totally had no idea!  ahhh!)

Anyways, back to the important stuff here  ;)

I have really (more than normal) been into accessories.  I got this gold charm necklace.

I got it at Wet Seal.  I am not always a big fan of their jewelry but after trying it on and wearing it for a whole day, I was glad that I decided to get it.

I paired it with a long, feathery charmed necklace to add versatility. 

I liked how the shirt was sheer.  I think it helped give the outfit the edgey look I was giong for. 
And I have been loving colored pants!  I decided to wear these ones to coordinate with the back of my shirt (which you can't see) But it's a blue-ish/grey floral print.

I am usually in a more girly shoe like a heel or wedge, but I like to change it up every now and then for a different look. 

I let the black socks peek to create some balance from head to toe with color. 

I liked the kinda funky feel of the outfit so I did my hair in a sideways bun that is a simple pony tail to the side and wrapped around its self with a hair tie. I made sure to leave volume up in the front and teased the bun to give it a messy look.  Then hairspray tiiiime!!! 

After a day of events, we went to a nice dinner so to change the look of the outfit, I slipped on these wedges.

I got these at Marshall's last year for only $20!  And I LOVE them.  I'm telling you, Marshall's is the iish! 

I wasn't planning on doing a "Day to Night" blog, so I'm sorry I didn't get any good pictures of my "night" outfit.  :(

But it really does take something just as simple as a pair of shoes to change your whole outfit. 

It was very chilly that night so I put on this super colorful jacket, that I also got at Marshall's. 

(this is right before he proposed!)

It's a "Hurley" jacket that I got for about $35.  It has a string in the back about waist high so it's pretty versatile to size. By being tied in the back, it helps create a waistline.  So even in a big, warm jacket, you can still show off your curves.  Or if your body lacks a little curve, it can create curves for you.



So the only thing I really changed for my "night look" were my shoes.  Although it wasn't a super fancy change, you can see how a pair of shoes can change your whole outfit. 

So ladies, if you have a party or event to attend to right after work, don't go all the way home to change.  Just wear something universal for your day job, bring a heel of any sort and maybe a couple pieces of jewelry to leave in your car.  Just those couple of things will help dress up your outfit.  :)

If you would like me to do another blog like this, let me know.  I would love to!  Especially since I didn't expect to make this blog with these particular pictures.  Or if you have a special request that you would like to see, suggestions are welcomed.   Let me know what ya think. 

As always, thanks for stopping by!

How to avoid a CAKEY face.

Alrighty ladies!  Having a thick, cakey face is no bueno!  Agreed?

I love make up and I think it's wonderful what make up can do.  However, I don't think you should ever have so much face make up on to where it looks "cakey."  EIIIK!  (sorry Katy Perry)

(unless it's Halloween or something) 

AHHHHHH!!!!   haha! 
So here are a few things I do to help avoid that "cakey" look.
It's just from my experience so I hope it's a little help to someone. 


1)  MOISTURIZE. 
     I have pretty dry skin.  My face, however, isn't as dry as the rest of my body.  There are small blotches here and there but it's not all around dry.  There are a lot of moisturizers out there for all different types of skin.  Find one that works for you.  I just recently started wearing moisturizer at night but you ALWAYS want to  put  moisturizer on before your make up.  It just helps eliminate the flaky, dry  look.  You don't want to paint a picture on a crusty canvas, right?  So if the base of your canvas is prepped, the art you put on it will be flawless.

I usually wear "Day Wear Plus" from Estee Lauder.  I accidental picked up the wrong one this last time.  This one in the picture is the regular "Day Wear."   The "Day Wear PLUS" is specifically for dry skin.

The one I have now is also working ok so no complaints there.  The only big difference I have noticed is the smell.  The Day Wear Plus moisturizer smells soooo yummy!  Like fresh cucumber or melon, although it's not a fragrance moisturizer.  It does have SPF in it, which is great. But I have heard it's not good to sleep with SPF (even though I've been doing it) but now I am on a mission to find a good moisturizer with no SPF so I can confidently moisturize while I sleep.  This is really the only  moisturizer I've ever used.  I have eczema so I'm very particular on what I put on my skin.   There are a few out there that I would like to try though.  I know MAC has a moisturizer I'm interested in and I also heard Olay is a good moisturizer.  Other than that, I use Aveeno when all else fails.  I don't know if it's good to put on your face but I always have and it's never given me any problems. 

Don't forget...MOISTURIZE MOISTURIZE BEFORE MAKE UP!  It's the #1 rule!  :)


2)  PRIME.
     To be honest with you, I don't ALWAYS prime my face.  But if you have trouble with the "cakiness" this step may help you a lot.  Priming your face before your make up is like priming a wall before you  paint the wall.  It's going to give you that smooth finish and it will help your make up stay on better.  The very first primer I've ever used was the MAC's "Prep and Prime."  It works amazingly!  After I finished my make up my face felt soooo smooth!  I love it!  However, I find that the combination of my moisturizer I use and the MAC primer don't go well together.  So sometimes I feel like I wont prime, instead I will moisturize because I feel it's far more important.  The recent primer I have been using is the "Make Up Forever's" face primer that I mentioned in my "New Year New Make Up?" blog. 

I don't find a problem with the combo of that one and my  moisturizer.  It works really well but I'm not sure if it works as well as the MAC "Prep and Prime."  I don't notice that  my skin is as smooth as when I use the MAC primer but it's definitely  not a bad choice.  Just like a lot of products, there are a lot of different face primers out there.  Those are the only two that I have experience with.  I would recommend them. 


3)  FOUNDATION and COVERAGE.
     Finding the right color for you is key!  Get matched if you are looking for a foundation.  If you go home and use it for a couple days or so and don't feel it's the right color for you, return it and try a shade up or shade down.  There is nothing wrong with that.  I can't stress the right color foundation enough.  Too white or too dark...I don't know which one is worse. 

Also, if you are being matched, ask them to apply it all over your face.  They usually just apply at the jaw line to try to match you.  But by having them apply a light layer all over your face, you will have a better idea if that color works for you or not.  Also, try to match the foundation color to your chest.  Your face is primarily a lot lighter than the rest of your body.  Don't swatch the color on your arm because your arm is usually darker than your chest and face. 

There are full coverage foundations, medium to full, and sheer foundations out there.  Don't be afraid to use a medium or sheer coverage, especially if you already have beautiful skin.  Full coverage foundations are nice because you look like a flawless doll, but it's nice to let your more natural beauty shine through.  There are times and places for a full coverage foundation, but in my opinion your every day look should be more natural. 
    
I am using the HD Make Up Forever's foundation right now and it's WONDERFUL! 

It is a full coverage but feels soooo light and natural.  So that's a good alternative if you don't want a heavy full coverage foundation.  Highly recommended.  It's so awesome.  I also talk much more about that in my "New Year New Make Up?" blog. 
     Instead of applying foundation with a sponge, maybe try a stippling brush for a lighter coverage.  This is the 187 from MAC. (it's dirty lol)

The bristles on the brush help blend nicely without too much product being put on your face. 


4)  POWDER
     Try setting your foundation with a pad or sponge/pad instead of a brush.  You don't have to put heavy powder all over your face. Sometimes that will make you look chalky.  Just concentrate on the oily areas like your T-zone. 

I don't have any make up in this picture but wanted to give you guys more of an idea where to dab your powder.  I look crazy I know...hahaha

Just lightly dab a small amount on your for head, your nose, chin and a little under your eyes.  Using the same pad WITHOUT adding more product, just lightly pat it over the rest of your face.
If you are using a full coverage foundation, use a sheer powder rather than a full coverage powder.  But if you are using a sheer foundation, it's ok to use a fuller coverage powder.  Like I said, this is just my opinion but I really feel it helps a lot!  


5) FINISHING SPRAY
     I was introduced to the MAC Fix+ finishing spray about 4 years ago.  It was suggested by one of the MUA to help keep your make up on after everything is applied. 

I feel like it gives a nice dewy finish to your skin.  I do like this spray, however I don't wear it every day.  I'm actually out...ironically...lol.  But if you feel you have trouble keeping and setting your make up, this product may be a good choice for you.  It's like a light, misty spray so 2 or 3 sprays are plenty. 

Well these are the couple of things that I really focus on to prevent a thick, cakey face.  As I said before, I'm not a professional and I don't know the professional advice or real knowledge about these kind products.  My make up isn't always perfect but these are just things I have learned and picked up along the way.  I think that skin care is where it starts to avoid the "cakey" face.  That's why of all these things MOISTURIZING is definitely the focal point.  Taking care of your skin can be hard but there are really great products out there to help with that.  Sometimes products may be a little pricey but it is worth it if it works for you.   

Some people are blessed with nice skin and others may have to battle it out a little more.  Whatever it is, I hope everyone finds things and a routine that work for them and I really hope I helped at least the tiniest bit.  I know it's probably really basic but I just thought I would share. 

Thanks for stopping by!  Have a GREAT WEEKEND!