August Favorites

This post is a little early since we still have about a week and a half left of August but I have all of my favorites already. I didn't really have anything during the month of July that was a new favorite but this month I do.

Neutrogena Fight & Fade Toner

I was a bit skeptical about what this product could do but after reading so many glowing reviews I figured to give it a try. It rightly does deserve the praise it gets because I did see a marked difference on my acne marks. It visibly reduced the size of a lot of my marks and reduced the appearance on some so much that you could barely even tell they are there. As for preventing and reducing acne it also did a good job because I have had almost no breakouts all month. I would definitely recommend this for anyone who wants to reduce the appearance of any acne marks. I used this product twice daily right after washing my face and not only where there were marks but all over my face. Neutrogena also sells a Fight & Fade gel which I will also buy to test out for next month and switch out with the toner. You can buy this product in any drugstore, I got mine from Duane Reade for about $10 but Neutrogena's site sells it cheaper here. 

The Balm Nude 'tude

I am so glad that I bought this palette because I absolutely love it! The color pay off is very good and it has  really nice shades for a neutral smokey eye. I personally love Snobby, Schitzo and Sultry for a neutral eye and I use Sultry alot to blend my shadows together. This palette is comparable to the Naked 1 palette or Two Faced Natural Eye palette. The packaging is cute and is worth trying out whether or not you have the UD or Two Faced palettes. You can purchase the palette here.

BH Cosmetics Liquid Eyeliner

This is such a great inexpensive product and easily comparable to drugstore liquid liners. Being that it is in pen form it makes applying eyeliner so much easier. The felt tip is thin enough that you can make a fine line or a thicker one once angled slightly. The liner dries fairly quick and comes with alot of product. I have been using it about everyday and it is still as good as when I first opened it. Originally the price is $5.95 but since BH always has sales you can get it cheaper, for instance it is on sale at $3.27 now here.  Definitely give this a try if you are an eyeliner junkie or just looking for a good liquid liner.

Real Techniques Crease Brush

This crease brush comes in their starter kit that includes 4 other brushes. I am always looking for good crease brushes and I have added this to my list. At first usage I wasn't exactly keen on it, because it is a thicker fluffier brush it can blend out the shadow a little higher up than intended. I kept trying it and figured out how to get it to blend out the shadows with out extending it so far up into the brows. It's really soft and the brush picks up the shadows really well. I would recommend trying this brush but if you do not have that much space in between eyes and brows this brush might be too big for you. You can purchase the starter kit from Ulta here.

Cat Print

Last favorite of the month is all things Cat print. In general I love cats but this month has been about wearing them on some article of clothing or other. Not sure what sparked the cat craziness but I think its one of those prints that are cute and depending on the design do not have an age restriction. Pictured above is a fun Cat Print Laptop case from Asos. Simply searching for cat print things will lead you to a multitude of different site.

So that is all for my favorites for the month of August. Thanks for reading and have a beauty-full day!

Makeup Monday's: Memory Lane

I've decided to start a segment that I will call Makeup Monday's where I will recommend or discuss 1 or a few products every Monday. For today I'm actually going to be a bit nostalgic and look at products that I have been using for some years. Anyone looking to start building their makeup collection without wanting to spend alot of money should consider these products.

NYX Cosmetics Single Eye Shadow $5

I have been using NYX eye shadow in black for around 9 years, it was one of my first most repurchased item. When I was first starting out with makeup I solely used it as a liner, then gradually as an eye shadow. It brings a lot of product for the price and will last a long time. I love that it is very pigmented and affordable.

L'OREAL Hip Shadow Duo's Average around $7-8.50

These shadow duos are another longtime favorite of mine. They were the reason I started buying L'Oreal products. The color pay off is really good (especially on their metallic duos), you get a good amount of product as well. I have never finished using one in its entirety but I have hit pan on a few after many many usage. The price is a little bit pricey but most often than not there are always sales which lower the price. Still would recommend it because of the color pay off and the fact that you do get 2 eyeshadows in one package.

Revlon Illuminance Cream $7 

This was one of the first creme shadow palettes I bought. The shadows were slightly sheer but I mainly used them as a primer of sorts. The palette I had I don't think the sell anymore but it was a nice palette with the colors I liked. For the price I think its a good purchase and recommend it to anyone starting up their makeup collection who might not want to spend alot. 

Maybelline Define-A-Line Eyeliner $5-6

When I first started out using eyeliners I would try and use those cheap pencil liners that are like $1. They always ended up hurting my eyes due to the tugging that I would do using those hard pencils. Thankfully I quit those and decided to get soft eyeliners. Maybelline was one of my most used eyeliners because it was so easy to apply (it glides right on) and it was affordable. My only qualm about this product is the amount you get but otherwise I still love it.

Maybelline Great Lash Mascara $6.50

This product was something I started using purely because I grew up seeing it part of my mothers makeup collection. So by default I began buying and using it. I still do use it but not as my sole mascara, more for the nostalgia that it brings. It works well enough for everyday use if I don't care about making my lashes look longer, fuller or anything like that. I would recommend it and in fact I bought one for my little sister as part of her makeup kit and it will be her first mascara.

July Haul

Rather than do a video I thought I would do a blog post instead for the things I purchased in July. I purchased some beauty products and some clothing items as well.

Beauty

This is a purchase I have been wanting for some time. When I saw HauteLook had it on sale I bought it right away. The original price is $36 and Hautelook had it for $18. So far I've been loving it but will do a review much later on. You can purchase the palette here.

Another HauteLook purchase, I ordered in July but won't be getting until the end of August unfortunately. I bought a 3 piece brush set for $12. If you wanted to get some Crown Brushes they are affordable and pretty good quality, you can get it here.

I normally wouldn't buy into getting this product but after reading so many great reviews I decided I would give it a try. So far I've used it less than a week but I want to try it out for around 3 and then possibly do a review on it. In stores I bought it for $10, If you wanted to get this product go here.

Clothing/Accessories

I have wanted red jeans for some time but never felt like committing to an expensive pair. These red jeans I bought from Walmart for $16. Although they stretch they do feel more like pants than jeans but probably because they are pretty thin. Nonetheless I'm happy with the color (they have other bright colors to choose from). You can get it here.

I have never bought any pants/jeans from forever21 before so I was a bit hesitant about doing so. The materials they use for some of their clothes aren't the best sometimes but I decided to give it a try. I love the jeans so much that I'm definitely buying more jeans from them for fall. They have some stretch, are thick (not bulky) and they are long. These skinny jeans are better made than the ones I own from Old Navy. If you are any size over a 10 shop in there plus size section for bottom pieces. I paid $24.50 for them and you can get these jeans here.

Another forever21 purchase  I was wary of but really like. Whenever I buy any forever21 piece I like to get it in store so that I can try it on because things always look different on. For the price, color and type of shirt I wanted I decided to buy it online not knowing how it would fit. I love the hi-low tops and its true to that and sheer. My only minor complaint would be that it was a tad too tight in the arms for my taste but nothing that was bulging or uncomfortable. I decided to keep the top because it did fit and the color was beautiful, I paid $12.50 for it and you can get it here.

Normally Animal print isn't my thing but I saw this high-low top that was reasonably priced and figured I would see how I like it. I bought it at Conways for $14.50. You can check if you have a store near you here.

By far my favorite purchase of July was this cat print headscarf from Asos. I'm a bit of a cat lady and becoming obsessed with headscarves so couldn't resist buying it. I paid $6, and you can get it here. 

Also purchased but not pictured were two tank tops from H&m, one burgundy the other a semi-sheer black both were priced around $6

If you want to see what I bought in June you can check out my video here.

Have a Beauty-full day!

OOTD: Red Pants

I haven't done an OOTD in quite awhile so here it is. Video included!

Red Jeans here from Walmart, White tank top from H&M

 Jean Jacket from the Gap, White Sneakers here from Target

Head scarf here from Asos, Jewelry I've had for years

Lipstick is Nyx Chic Red here


Video can be seen here!

Possible Next Tutorial?

I haven't done a tutorial in some time and am stuck debating which one of the following four looks should my next tutorial be on. 2 out of 4 are inspired looks whilst the other two are my own.

Relieve Puffy Eyes

Puffiness of the eyes is attributed to trapped fluid underneath the eye. We can get puffy eyes due to lack of sleep, water retention, crying etc. I will be talking about a few natural ways to reduce naturally occurring puffy eyes for those without any eye conditions that cause the eyes to become puffy. Below are a few natural ways to reduce the appearance of puffy eyes.

Black, Green or Chamomile Tea are all good options for reducing puffiness underneath the eyes. Herbal teas (Chamomile)  are best for soothing redness and irritation because they contain anti-irritants. While caffeinated teas (Black and Green) reduce swelling and constrict blood vessels. Simply steep the tea bags and either use them hot or put them in the refrigerator to get cold. While reclining or laying down keep them on the eyes for 5-10 minutes. 

I'm sure everyone has heard at some point or another to put cucumbers on tired eyes. Rich in water, vitamin E and some natural fats, this vegetable has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Simply cut medium-thick slices and place them on eyes for a few minutes (5-10). You will immediately feel how cooling it is.

Potatoes have anti-irritating, de-congesting and soothing properties.They also are good for eliminating dark circles. Vitamin C, starch and various enzymes are good for re hydrating the skin.They are neutral at holding heat or cold so they are good to use as compresses. You can grate into a pulp and place in a clean cloth over eyes (or skip the cloth and place as is). The alkaline properties in the potato juice have antiseptic properties as well (good for getting rid of bacteria). Another way to use it would be to cut thin slices of potatoes and place it on your eyes for around 15 minutes.

Egg whites naturally have astringent properties which will help to tighten pores and reduce any puffiness around or under the eyes. Simple take about 1/2 teaspoon (or as more if needed) of egg whites and using a brush or a cloth apply it underneath the eye. You can also add a few drops of witch hazel (which helps to sooth and shrink) to the egg whites and mixing them together place them under the eyes. Leave on eyes for about 15 minutes or until it has dried stiffly, then thoroughly wash it off. 

Cold water, something so simple yet effective. If you don't have the time use any of the things I've listed so far, water might be for you. Simply splash cold water a few times on your face (especially your eyes) and besides perking you up it will help reduce any puffiness around the eyes. The cold water will constrict the blood vessels found under the eye and reduce swelling.

Another quick way to relieve tired, puffy eyes is using some cold spoons. Pop two or more spoons into your freezer for about a minute or two and then place face down over eyes. Similar to the cold water it will restrict the vessels around your eye and reduce any puffiness. Once the spoons get warm simply pop them back into the freezer to get cold and reapply.

These were only a few of several ways that you can reduce Puffy eyes naturally. An important tip to remember would be to make sure you are hydrated enough and reduce the amount of sodium you consume. Sodium (salt) makes you retain water which will leave you bloated, so if you do consume a lot of sodium try to cut down on it. Making sure you are hydrated is always important in the health of your skin and body.

Also make sure you get plenty of sleep during the night at least 7hrs of sleep and make sure your head is elevated while sleeping. Elevating your head while you sleep will help drain any liquid from pooling underneath your eyes.

Don't live with Puffy tired eyes if you can help it, try some of these tips out and you will be on your way to a more rested looking you.

Have a Beauty-full day!

Close-Set Eyes

Close-Set eyes have the opposite problem that Wide-Set eyes do. They appear to be closer together, meaning the width across the bridge of the nose is less than the width of one eye. 


Celebrities with Close-Set Eyes are: Rachel Bilson, Miley Cyrus, Nicole Kidman, Anna Paquin, Hilary Duff, Kate Winslet

Tips and tricks for making Close-Set eyes appear farther apart

1. When applying eye shadow to the lids you want to place the lighter color on the inner corners and the darker colors on the middle to outer part of your lids. A light shadow on the inner corners will make the open up the eye while the darker color on the outer part of the lid will draw attention to it. 

2. Make sure to extend the shadows past where the eye ends which will give it the illusion that the eye is being pulled outwards towards the hairline. The more you extend it the more it looks to be pulled outwards.

3. When applying eyeliner make sure to keep the line thinner on the inner portion of the eye and gradually build it to be thicker on the outside portion of the lid. Also extending your eye liner (think cat eye) will make your eyes look like they are being pulled outwards giving the illusion that your eyes are more symmetrical.

4. Lashes are another good way to achieve the wider set eyes. Using a pair of demi lashes which go on the middle to outside corner of the eye will make the lashes thicker there thus bringing more attention to it. Also individual lashes are a good alternative to building up thickness to the outside corner of the lids.

Thanks for reading and have a Beauty-Full day! 

Wide-Set Eyes

It's been a couple of months since my last post but fear not for I have returned to update it. In all seriousness I have decided to get back into the swing of posting on here since I have not been consistent. 


So to kick things off I have decided to expand on my last post on eye shape and do some tutorials for each one. To begin I have chosen wide-set eyes.


Wide-Set Eyes are characterized by appearing far apart on the face. If the space across the bridge of your nose (in between both eyes) is wider than the actual with of one eye then it is considered Wide-Set. Normally wide-set eyes give a person the appearance of looking more youthful. Often times models have wide-set eyes as it is preferred since they appear younger and with makeup can be made to look more mature if needed. Some Celebrities that have side-set eyes are: Rihanna, Brandy, Amanda Seyfried, Zoe Saldana, Kate Moss


When applying makeup you should always take into account different elements, like eye and face shape. 

Tips on making this eye shape appear closer together

1. When placing shadows onto the lid place the darker shadow towards the inner corner. That helps make the eyes appear closer together versus using a lighter shadow which will only open up the eye and make it appear wider apart. 


2. In terms of how far one should blend out the shadow, do not extent the shadow too far from the outside corner of the eye. Anything that extends past your actual eye will give the illusion that the eyes are being pulled towards the outside of the face which will further extend your eyes. Keep the shadow close to where your eye ends. A smokey eye for this eye shape needs to be reworked differently. 




Posted below is a tutorial that I recently did on my sister who happens to have wide-set eyes. She wanted a colorful look to go out. I did put an inner corner highlight but only because she asked, otherwise I wouldn't. Either way I did not extend her eye shadow farther than her eyes and concentrated it towards the inner part. I shall be posting another video up soon of a reworked smokey eye for this eye shape so stay tuned!

Thanks for reading and have a Beauty-full day! 

All About Eyes: Find Your Eye Shape

Knowing what is your eye shape is beneficial to makeup application, it gives you the advantage to know how to apply eye shadows or eyeliner to enhance or detract from your eyes. Your eyes are one of the features on your face that is very noticeable and if you know what your shape is its one step in knowing how to play it up or down. I am just going to be focusing on helping you figure out your eye shape but in upcoming posts I will also give you some tips on altering the shape of your eye with liner and eyeshadows. Also you may very well fall into more than one category of eye shape like deep-set small eyes or something like that.


To begin makeup sure your face is devoid of makeup and that your muscles are relaxed (so no tension in the brows). Stand in front of a mirror with eyes open taking not of how much space is around the eyes.

Now taking a look at your face and eyes as a whole do you notice anything in particular about your eyes that stand out?

Are your eyes very pronounced or seem to be bulging out of its socket? Are they prominently set forward and is there a lot of visible eyelid? If so then you have Prominent eyes. Some celebrities with prominent eyes are: Nicole Richie, Lala Vasquez, Octavia Spencer, Penelope Cruz

Are your eyes proportionally smaller to the rest of your face in comparison? If so you have small eyes. You may also have very little space between the brows and eyelid. Some celebrities with small eyes are: Amanda Bynes, Jessica Alba, Jennifer Hudson

Do the inner corners of your eyes have a less pronounced lid than the outer corner? When your eyes are open does the space between your lashes and brow bone seem to recede? If so you have Deep-set eyes. Some celebrities with Deep-set eyes are: Tori Amos, Taylor Swift, Cameron Diaz, Sandra Bullock, Iman

When your eyes are open are your eyelids not visible?Is the crease not readily visible? If so then you have Hooded eyes. Also with age the skin above the brow may sag and cause a hooded eye. Some celebrities with Hooded eyes are: Blake Lively, Iman Chanel, Selma Blair, Hayden Panettiere

Do you have little to no eyelid or crease? Do your eyes have a definitive lift at the outer corners? If so then you have Asian eyes. Because Asian eyes come in a wide spectrum we are going to compact them only for this post. Some celebrities with Asian eyes are: Lucy Lui, Maggie Q, Sandra Oh, Jamie Chung, Kristen Kreuk, Devon Aoki, Thandie Newton, Gabrielle Union, Moon Bloodgood, Cassandra Hepburn, Sophie Okonedo, Jenna Ushkowitz

Are your eyes literally shaped like an almond? Is one side more tapered while the other side is more rounded? If so then you have Almond eyes. Some celebrities with Almond shaped eyes are: Mila Kunis, Aishwarys Rai, Rihanna,Kate winslet, Scarlett Johanson, Gwen Stefani, Minka kelly, Jessica alba, Anne Hathaway, Zoe Saldana, Olivia wilde, Eva longoria, Leighton Meester, Kerry Washington, Kim Kardashian, Beyonce, Octavia Spencer, Penelope Cruz

Do your eyes appear very large and open looking? If so you have Round Eyes. Some celebrities with Round shaped eyes are: Christina Ricci, Zoe Deschanel, Tracee Ellis Ross, Penelope Cruz,  Ashley/Mary-Kate/ElizabethOlsen, Emmy Rossum, Demi lovato, Christina Applegate, Amy Adams, Katy Perry



One thing to keep in mind is that everyone's face is not symmetrical, so you can very well have a mix of more than one eye shape. Each eye can even have a mix of two, for example, prominent Almond eyes. Figuring out your eye shape is the first part to applying eyeshadow that will enhance or detract from your eyes. My next post will be exploring more aspects of eyes so stay tuned!


Hopefully this post helped 

Beauty Blunders

After my extended hiatus from posting I am back and going to talk about a few Beauty Blunders that I see often and others that make me cringe. For the most part some of these Beauty Blunders have been committed by everyone at some time or another. This is part one of a two part post.



Over Plucked
Whether you have done this or not everyone has seen someone with over plucked brows. It always looks weird because usually they have them thinly shaped into a unnatural looking shape. Not all of them are in odd shapes, just very thin than what they should be. I've heard some people say they have always had very thin brows (although I have never seen someone born with them) or the rest admit to over plucking them. Only once have I had over plucked brows and that was the only time that someone else has ever done my eyebrows for me. I allowed my aunt (who has extremely plucked brows) to do my eyebrows and they came out pretty thin, especially to what I was used to. Luckily my brows don't give too much of a fuss about growing back. Anyways to make sure my brows don't stay thin or what not I like to pluck my brows only and also alternate times when I will let my brows grow fully out. I don't have full thick brows but I do let them grow out to its natural state and then just clean up the area around them. It's just my way of making sure they don't get accustomed to being over tweezed or anything. And here is a picture documenting my thinnest brows.

(No idea whats with the book and picture taking)

Snowy Liner
Thankfully I have been smart enough not to make this error, but I have known others that have done it. Okay so White eyeliner is all well and dandy for the waterline and maybe the inner corner to act as a highlight, but that's about it in terms of everyday makeup. I just don't understand why anyone thinks its okay to draw a medium-thick line on the lashline. It's not like a black liner that makes sense, its white! I've seen so many women do this and in varying skintones, it just never works. I've noticed the women who do this usually don't wear mascara or any other makeup for that matter, they think some white eyeliner is suffice.

(The first was for the runway, but really how many people can actually wear this and make it work?)

Faux Pas Lashes
I wish I could find a picture that represents this but describing it will have to do. Okay so I have seen this more times than I can count and I always end up shaking my head when I see it. Women who wear unnaturally thick and long lashes. Now I only shake my head when they are usually sans any real makeup but have on these crazy lashes. They think that we the public will be fooled to think they are their actual lashes. The lashes are very thick and black and shiny since they are fake and they place them always very close to the lashline if not on it. Also usually you get to see the glue peeking out as well. I understand having thin, short lashes since I have them myself but wearing thick lashes isn't going to make it appear natural. As an example of the types of lashes that are used here is a picture of Ardell Lashes called Tyra.

(The lashes are either this thickness or thicker)

Over Bronzed
This is another one many people have probably seen as well. There's such a thing as giving yourself what appears to be a sunkissed look or even slightly bronzed skin, but its another thing to pack it on all over. I've never bothered using bronzer since I am tan but I did have a moment when I looked unnaturally tanned. I allowed one of the girls at mac to convince me that a NW45 (I believe, it was in the 40 family) was my shade in foundation, when it was definitely the wrong tone. To begin with the foundation had to much of a red undertone which my skin doesn't and it made me look like I had a bad fake tan. Luckily I figured it out after using it the one time and started learning how to pick out a foundation that worked with my skintone (best one so far has been Face Atelier). I do have pictures documenting that unfortunate moment so when I locate them I shall put up a photo for reference, in the meantime here's a picture.

Bountiful Blush- Blushing Plenty
Oh how many have fallen victim to the excessive use of blush. I've done it once or twice, being distracted or in poor light and applying too much but I know its not a good look. On the other hand there are some women who don't seem to think that using a lot of blush is a beauty blunder. If your cheeks are looking like clowns then it's time to put down your brush. I believe blush should look somewhat natural not painted on like a clown would wear it.

(She happens to do a lot of Beauty Blunders, Blush just being one of them)

(The way her makeup's packed on she reminds me of a ventriloquist dummy)

The Ursula
Everyone starting out with makeup and some others that like the look have made this blunder. It basically means only using one eyeshadow and managing to extend it either up until it meets the brows or far out the sides or both. I've done it unfortunately and then later on was able to realize what I was doing wrong and correct it. I know some females like to apply eyeshadow up into their brows and think its a suitable look but in general outside of some dramatic looks I don't view them as very wearable. When I see this happen I always think of Ursula from the little mermaid and how very dark and dramatic her makeup looked, but not in a good way. So here's a photo of me doing the Ursula if you will.

(Technique I'm speaking of just in a color that doesn't stand out too much)

Spider Lashes
I have seen plenty of people committing this beauty blunder but not a whole lot and thankfully. I've actually encountered a lot of elderly women who fall prey to the spider lashes, the Ursula and bountiful blush. Anyhow the person puts on several coats of mascara to make the lashes pop and sometimes will wear falsies as well. The end result usually ends up with them having really dark clumpy lashes that seem to crawl away from the eyes. I just don't find this flattering.

(Kim is very fond of spider lashes)

Dirty Contours- Chocolate Outlines
I see more and more people that end up making this horrible mistake. Contouring is meant to help shade certain parts of you face so that other parts pop. By no means is it meant to look like you have a dirty face or as if you are outlining certain areas of your face. Yet some females don't seem to know how to contour without going overboard. It's almost similar to the blush where they don't realize they've put too much on. I've seen noses with noticeable lines running down the side, or cheeks that look like they were passed over with a chocolate bar. Whatever the case learning how to contour and highlight subtly is something everyone should focus on. I've fallen victim a few times in the beginning to over contouring my nose but now I've found a light touch goes a long way.

(This falls under excessive highlighting also)

(Her cheeks and nose look dirty)

The Reversed Raccoon
I feel ever since Kim Kardashian has become more famous there are more girls and women out there committing the Reversed Raccoon. Basically the person has highlighted their eye area way too much in a noticeable way that contrasts with the rest of their face. As in the picture above with Monique she actually didn't do the Reversed Raccoon but she did highlight way too much. Anyway the end result ends up looking like they forgot to wipe away their setting powder.

(Her makeup artist should be scolded)

(To be fair this isn't the completed look but honestly some people end up looking like this anyway)

Badly Blended
Everyone who has dabbled in makeup has done this, and I mean EVERYONE. When you are first starting off its all about trial and error and there is no one out there makeup artist or not that hasn't done this. Somewhat connected to The Ursula its basically applying eyeshadow/s and not blending them, so you are left with a lot of shadow. Besides beginners I have encountered some individuals who have been doing their own makeup for years and still have not learned how important blending is. An example of my ignorance of blending is shown below.

 (Well.. I tried I guess. Anyway I did do another Beauty Blunder which I will cover in part 2 of this topic)

Overdone Brows
Oh how I lament thee! This always sets my head to shaking in a slow manner. I have no idea where this trend or look came from but so many women do it. I'm sure you may have or do it yourself or you have just seen others do it. It's one thing to fill in your brows to look fuller yet natural its a whole other thing to draw them in cartoon style. Going heavy on the brow pencil or whatever it may be gives the brows this harsh look. I've seen the sharpie thin ones, to the thick caterpillars. I've overdone it on the brows a couple of times but thankfully only when I have been at home messing around with makeup.

(Dark and thick)

(The sharpie)

(I also don't get this style either)

(Her's are naturally that dark)

So these are just a few of the many Beauty Blunders out there, I will be doing another post with more of them later on. Hopefully you enjoyed this post :)