Makeover by D | Valentine's Day Makeup Inspiration

One of my amazing roommates was nice enough to let me give her a makeover so that I could give you some Valentine's day inspiration. There are before and after pictures so that you can get a sense of foundation coverage and how the contouring changed the shape of her face. A list of the products used is at the end!

Before

After

Face: Maybelline Baby Skin Primer L'Oreal True Match Lumi Foundation Josie Maran Argan Oil Maybelline Coverstick Concealer L'Oreal True Match Pressed Powder Urban Decay Naked Skin Concealer Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer Sephora Bronzer in Los Cabos NARS Orgasm Blush Becca x Jaclyn Hill Highlighter - Champagne Pop Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray Eyes: M.A.C. Paint Pot in Soft Ochre Naked Palette Naked 2 Palette M.A.C. Fluidline Gel Liner in Black Track Giorgio Armai Eyes to Kill Mascara Maybelline The Colossal Volum' Cat Eyes Express Brows: Brow Bar To Go Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Gel in Chocolate Lips:
M.A.C. Creme Cup Smashbox Always Sharp Lip Liner in Nude Light NYX Butter Gloss in Éclair

Valentine's Day Gift Guide 2016 | Pretty in Pink

1. S'well Water Bottle - I have one of these and they're great. I got the 24oz and thought it would be perfect, but I think it's a little too big, I'd go for the 17oz. 
2. Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour  - Chanel Polishes are some of my favorite and are a great luxury gift that wont break the bank. My favorite everyday pink shade is 167 Ballerina.
3. FujiFilm Instamix Mini - This is great for the girl who loves to document everything. Polaroid cameras have made a huge comeback in the past few years and this mini pink one is no exception.
4. Reflective Ray-Ban Aviators - My Ray-Ban aviators are my favorite sunglasses and the reflective version makes them even better. 
5. Kate Spade Card Holder - Card holders are perfect for nights out when you don't have a huge purse to carry around your stuff. The scalloped edges on this make it so feminine and beautiful.
6. Jeffrey Campbell Atsuko Flats - This style flat has been all the rage. All the designers, even Forever21 have been coming out with a version, but these are my favorite.
7. M.A.C. Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour- M.A.C. came out with liquid lipsticks and my life became complete. This berry-pink is one of my favorites, its called 'To Matte With Love.' 
8. Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette - Perfect for Valentine's day, and every other day. Urban Decay shadows are some of my favorite, end of story.
9. Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb - I've mentioned this fragrance before and it's because it really is the best. I love it so much and think every girl would too.
10. White + Warren Cashmere Gloves - If you live anywhere cold, you know gloves in the winter are a must. I love these because they're cashmere, which is super warm, and they're a fun pop of color on a gloomy winter day.
11. Diptyque Rosaviola Candle - Diptyque candles are the best, I've mentioned them a bunch of times before in different gift guides, and they have this really cute pink rose scent for the holiday which makes it even better. 
12. Chiara Ferragni iPhone Case - This phone case is so cute I might just get one for myself! The winking eyes make it the perfect mix between edgy and girly.

The Foundation Combination I'm Loving Right Now

Cover Fx Natural Finish Oil Free Foundation & Cover Fx Custom Cover Drops

This foundation combination has been giving me life while I've been on vacation. In Miami the weather can be a little strange, it can be humid and sunny and then pouring rain the next minute, which means your makeup needs to be prepared for anything. While I haven't been wearing a full face of makeup most days, on the nights that we've gone out to a bar or clubbing this combination has been amazing. 
I was much paler when I got here and so I brought my normal Cover FX foundation in my lighter shade (it is after all 20 degrees in Boston), but I also wanted to prepare myself for being tanned, so I picked up some of the custom cover drops in a few shades darker. 
The cover drops more than the foundation have been life changing. I mix them with face oils or moisturizers and get the perfect light layer of coverage for the warmer climate. By mixing the darker shade with my lighter foundation, I get to customize my perfect color regardless of how tan or pale I am.
Both products are very full-coverage and can be a little drying, that's why I like to mix mine with a beauty oil most of the time. If you have oily skin, these two products will be your best friends.

Best Of Beauty 2015 | Skincare

Face Masks: 1. Tony Moly Aloe Sheet Mask - Cutest packaging ever, and it keeps my skin feeling hydrated, without leaving a sticky residue. 2. Origins Clear Improvements Charcoal Mask - One of my favorite detoxifying masks. It's very affordable, and keeps my skin from breaking out. Even though it's detoxifying, I don't find that it drys out my skin. 3. Origins Out of Trouble Mask - Great as both a mask and a spot treatment. I like to use this when my skin is feeling in need of some TLC or I'm breaking out. It clears my skin right up. 4. Aztec Secret Indian Healing Mask - This mask is intense, and seriously keeps your skin free of blemishes. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone with sensitive skin, because again, it's very strong.  5. Glamglow Thirstymud Hydrating Treatment - My favorite hydrating mask. It smells like a piña colada and leaves my skin feeling like a baby's bottom. 
Toners: 6. Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner - I've always used the Clinique clarifying lotion as my toner, and I still do, but this year, I was super impressed by this toner. It has glycolic acid in it which helps prevent breakouts and I've found that it even works a little better than the Clinique one.
Exfoliators:  7. Glam Glow Flashmud Brightening Treatment  - Such an amazing exfoliator. I use this to exfoliate my dry flakes so that they don't disturb my makeup. Totally worth the splurge.
Moisturizers: 8. Origins High Potency Night-A-Mins - I've mentioned this in a favorites before and it's truly amazing. It hydrates and softens, without clogging pores. I can'y recommend it enough.  9. True Moringa Lavender Face Oil - This oil is magic in a bottle. It's the best I've ever used, and I've completely replaced my Josie Maran Argan Oil. It smells so good, and really has transformed my dry skin. 10. First Aid Beauty Triple Remedy Overnight Balm - Such a great nighttime eye cream. It's really thick which helps with dehydrated under eyes, which cause concealer to crease. Another home run by First Aid Beauty.
Treatments: 11. Mario Badescu Drying Lotion - This is the best spot treatment for blemishes. It completely dries the out, which can be a bit intense, but is the fastest way to clear skin.
Tools: 12. Clarisonic Mia II - This isn't necessarily a yearly favorite, but I thought I should include it in this post because I do use this every day. I've had it for almost three years and it has completely changed the way my skin looks. It's the best investment you can make when it comes to skincare. 
Cleansers: 13. Philosophy Purity Cleanser - This is a holy grail cleanser, and I recommend it to everyone. It's great for all skin types, perfect to use with the clarisonic, and gets off all of my makeup. 14. Clinique Foaming Sonic Facial Soap - I tried this at the end of the year and was pleasantly surprised. I love the way it foams up and I've noticed it does a great job and getting my skin very clean.
Makeup Removers: 15. Simple Makeup Wipes - I'm really picky when it comes to makeup wipes and these are by far the best I've tried. They're so moist, and get off all of my makeup. I'll never use another brand again!

Best Of Beauty 2015 | Makeup

Face Products: 1. Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat Blur Primer - I don't usually recommend going crazy and spending a ton of money on primers, but this year, this YSL primer blew me out of the water. It blurred my pores and gave my skin a nice healthy glow. Worth the splurge for sure. 
2. Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer - Another breakout star this year when it came to primers. This one is less of a pore minimizer and much more of a subtle glow. It definitely smoothes the skin, but it doesn't fill in pores the same way the YSL one does.
3. Cover FX Natural Finish Oil Free Foundation - I'm usually a creature of habit when it comes to foundation, and when I find something I like I don't try anything else. I gave this foundation a try on a whim and really loved it. I could build it up or sheer it out and it lasts all day.
4. Maybelline Fit Me Concealer - A serious gem from the drugstore. If you're a fan of the NARS concealer, use this instead. It's just as good and less than half the price. I've gone threw two tubes already.
5. Urban Decay Naked Skin Concealer - This has become holy grail for me. I don't think I will ever find another concealer I love as much as I love this. It's full coverage and light weight, two amazing qualities in an under eye concealer. 
6. Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder - This powder is great for setting both under the eyes and the face. I've used it for both and been really happy with the results. I have dry skin, and I haven't had any issues with it being uncomfortable on my skin. I also know girls with oily skin who love it just as much as I do.
7. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder - Life changing. That is all I can say about this. These powders are beyond worth the hype and I'll definitely be getting others to try on my whole face (I use this only under the eyes because of its yellow tint.)   8. Hourglass Ambient Bronzer - I was skeptical when I saw this in Sephora, but as soon as I swatched it, I knew we were soul mates. The pigmentation is insane, and it doesn't just bronze, it glows. It's one of, if not the best bronzer I've ever used.
9. Milani Baked Bronzer - This is a great drugstore bronzer, but I only like it for warmer climates or in the summer. It's great on tan skin and gives you  a great sunny shimmer. It's perfect when you're looking to have that tropical bronzed skin look.
10. Becca Mineral Blush - Becca completely won me over this year. Every single product I tried from them was amazing, and their blushes were a huge hit with me. Wild Honey is my new obsession and I'm ordering other colors very soon. They're so pigmented and buttery.
11. Becca x Jaclyn Hill Champagne Pop - I know, I know, I've raved about this too much, but that's how amazing it is. Please do yourself a favor and pick it up while you still can.
Brow Products: 12. Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz - Best brow products in the beauty industry are ABH. The brow wiz is a holy grail for me and I feel madly in love with it this year. I can't go a day without it. The dual end, makes it so functional and great for travel.
13. Anastasia Beverly Hills Tinted Brow Gel - Another amazing ABH product. This is seriously like super glue for your eye brows. If you find that your brow hairs don't stay in place, this will fix that.
Eye Products: 14. Naked Smoky Palette - My favorite of the Naked palettes, and by far the most versatile. Just as with the others, the pigmentation and blendability are amazing.
15. Morphe Brushes - Morphe made a huge splash int he beauty industry this year, both with their brushes and their eye shadows. The brushes in particular are amazing. They're great quality for a great price, and I'd say are very comparable to both M.A.C and Sigma brushes.
16. Guerlain Clis d'Enfer Mascara - This is one of the best mascaras I've ever used, and I've used a lot. It's definitely pricey, but beyond worth it. It volumizes and lengthens without smudging. 
17. Maybelline Volum' Express Colossal Mascara - An amazing drugstore mascara, and by far my favorite. Great for everyday and getting big bold lashes. It's super buildable and doesn't clump up/
Lip Products: 18. Ofra Liquid Lipsticks - Ofra was another company that became very popular this year, and for good reason; their liquid lipsticks are the best I've ever tried. They're pigmented and long lasting without being too drying. I'm obsessed.

19. Kat Von D Liquid Lipsticks - Kat Von D liquid lipsticks also impressed me this year. The color selection is amazing, and while they are a little drying, the formula is one of the best in the business.

Setting Spray: 20. Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist - This is the best setting spray I've every tried. It is beyond words amazing. It keeps my makeup on for hours and gives my skin the glow I love. I can't say enough good things about this; Kim K uses it for a reason.










 

Beauty Favorites | December 2015

1. M.A.C Whirl Lipstick - This is a newer lipstick from M.A.C. and has quickly become one of my favorites. It's the same exact color as the lipliner, and falls into the mauve-brown trend that has completely taken over the beauty world this year (thanks Kylie). I think it's the perfect fall/winter color and love the matte finish. I would definitely recommend picking it up if you're loving the trend.
2. Becca x Jaclyn Hill Highlighter in Champagne Pop - Can I rave about this product enough? NO. It's the best highlighter I've ever used. Jaclyn Hill and Becca completely hit this one out of the park. It's so pigmented and compliments so many different skin tones. I love it so much I'm considering buying a back up. It doesn't matter if you have 1 highlighter or 1,000 - you need this one. 
3. Becca Mineral Blush - I've never tried any Becca blushes, but it's safe to say I'm getting them all. I got the shade Wild Honey and I'm in love with it. It's more of a mauve, brown blush, as apposed to a baby pink, which is why I like it. It's buttery and pigmented, and would be perfect for fair girls, all the way to medium/olive complexions. 
4. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder - Yes, yes, and more yes. This ambient lighting powder has changed my life. I use the shade Diffused Light to set my under eye concealer, and genuinely don't know how I lived without it. It doesn't let my concealer crease and gives my under eye area a gorgeous glow. You could use this to set the whole face, but I like this shade in particular for under the eyes because it has a slightly yellow tint which is great for brightening.
5. Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Concealer - This concealer has become holy grail. I've never been so impressed by a concealer in my entire life. I have two shades; light warm and light medium neutral. Light warm is the perfect highlighting shade when I'm my fairest, but since I'm going to Miami, and have been tanning to prepare, I got light medium neutral to darken it a bit,while still highlighting. It's so light weight, while still being super full-coverage. If you only try one thing on this list, this should be it. 
6. Bobbi Brown Eye Shadow - I find that Bobbi Brown shadows can be pretty hit or miss. I've tried a few and haven't been super impressed; until this one. I decided to get the the color Camel because it was just calling my name. It's definitely not a color everyone is going to love, but I think it's gorgeous. It's a very warm brown, and to be honest, is kind of the color of baby poop, but in the best way. It's the perfect fall/winter color, and I can't get enough of it. 
7. Origins Drink Up Overnight Intensive Mask - This has been a god-send for my dry skin. I've never been disappointed by an Origins product, and this mask is no exception. When I wear it to bed, my skin feels super hydrated and plump the next morning. A must have for my girls with dry skin.
8. Kat Von D Liquid Lipstick in Lolita - All the hype is well-worth it. This liquid lipstick is bomb. It's a gorgeous shade and an amazing formula, and I think everyone needs it in their collection. I'm definitely going to be picking up more liquid lipsticks from Kat Von D's line.
9. GlamGlow Flashmud Brightening Treatment - Another dry skin savior. This Glam glow mask is amazing for exfoliating away dead skin. I was pretty skeptical at first, and really didn't want to love it because of the ridiculous price tag, but I do. It's amazing, and I'm definitely going to get it in the full size.
10. Urban Decay Naked Smoky Palette - This has quickly become my favorite of the Naked palettes. I think it's the most versatile, in terms of color range, in the sense that it has a good selection of both cool and warm shades. It's super pigmented and there isn't a single color I don't like. The packaging is also by far the best of the 4 Naked palettes, and I wish all of them had the magnetic closure. If you're thinking of trying a Naked palette, I recommend this one over the others. 

2015 Holiday Gift Guide For The Beauty Junkie

1. Urban Decay Naked Smoky Palette - This has quickly become my favorite Naked palette. It's versatile and amazing quality.
2. Too Faced Chocolate Bon Bons Palette - A new cult favorite. The colors are great and so is the packaging!
3. Drybar Gift Set - Every girl needs a good blowdryer, and this set is the perfect way to gift her with one.
4. Becca x Jaclyn Hill Highlighter - Champagne Pop has become my favorite highlight and it's something I think every beauty junkie needs.
5. Flowerbomb Gift Set - A holy grail scent of mine. I've met very few girls and women who don't love it.
6. Christian Louboutin Nail Polish - A splurge for sure but could be perfect for the nail polish obsessed - functional and collectible.
7. Sephora Collection Brush Set - This would be a major splurge, but could change a beauty junkie's makeup game. Sephora brushes are amazing quality and this is the mother load.
8. Beauty Blender - Everyone who wears foundation or concealer needs a beauty blender, period. The more beauty blenders, the better.
9. Laura Mercier Almond Coconut Soufflé - Great for the beauty junkie who lives in cold climates and loves to pamper herself.
10. YSL Volupté Sheer Candy - These are amazing gloss sticks, and my favorite shade is Dewy Papaya. It keeps your lips hydrated and glossy, without being sticky, plus they smell heavenly.
11. Guerlain Terracota Bronzing Mist - This would be perfect for the girl whose traveling somewhere tropical over the holidays. No makeup needed, just this amazing bronzing mist.

Beauty Favorites | October & November 2015

1. Tony Moly 'I'm Real' Aloe Face Mask Sheet - This has been a savior for my dry skin. It has been getting seriously cold in Boston and my skin has been extra dry. Tony Moly products are some of my favorite and are really cute (which makes them great gifts). If you love hydrating masks, this sheet mask will give you life.

2. Pureology Colour Fanatic Hair Beautifier - I've used Pureology products for years now and this is just another product to add to my loves list. I take haircare pretty seriously, so I like to make sure I'm doing everything I can to keep it long and healthy. This leave-in conditioner leaves my hair feeling soft and hydrated, even though it's color treated.

3. L'Oreal Mega Moisture Nurturing Creme - Another haircare gem, except this one won't break the bank.  I picked this guy up on a whim because I love hair masks, and was presently surprised. I'm a huge fan of the Macadamia hair mask, and while this one isn't going to replace it, it's really comparable. It leaves my hair feeling hydrated, without making it greasy.

4. NARS Larger Than Life Eye Liner in Via Veneto - I'm not a big eye liner girl, and I almost never wear it, but when I do, this is my go-to. I tried it for the first time when I was practicing my halloween skull makeup and fell in love. It's super black and creamy and doesn't smudge which is essential in my book. Definitely worth the splurge.

5. Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Mascara - I picked this up a while back during the Nordstrom Mascara Madness but hadn't gotten around to using it. It's safe to save I'm in love. This mascara seriously gets the job done. It's super black and gives me length and volume without smudging or transferring to my eyelids. The price-tag makes me hate that I love it, but I can't help myself.

6. Alterna Bamboo Style Ultra Hold Hairspray - I almost never use hairspray, but for the holidays and special occasions I'll add a little to keep my curls in place. This stuff is no joke. It's literally hair superglue and that's why I like it. It keeps everything in place, but doesn't build up or get gross. It leaves my hair a little crunchy but that isn't something that bothers me. 

7. Cover FX Natural Finish Oil Free Foundation - This foundation is AMAZING. It's full coverage and gives my skin a flawless finish. I don't wear foundation every day but when I do, this has been my go-to. I like to mix in a drop of face oil to thin it out and to add hydration to my dry skin. The color range is pretty good and I think any skin type would love it.

8. Make Up For Ever Pro Bronze Fusion - I love bronzers, and this one is no exception. It's buttery and goes on smoothly. I love the shade range and the glow it gives my skin. I've noticed that it goes on more pigmented with synthetic brushes, rather than goat hair (which is often the case for any product). Definitely holy grail status.

9. Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist - I thought I would love this, and I was right. Tatcha is an amazing company that seems to hit it out of the park every single time. I like using this spray in addition to my regularly Urban Decay 'All Nighter' to add a dewy glow to my skin while also keeping my skin hydrated. This is definitely my favorite on this list. It's become holy grail for sure.

10. Origins Out of Trouble 10-Minute Mask - Face masks are my jam. Without them my skin wouldn't be able to survive. I got this one with the hopes that it would be just as good as Origin's charcoal mask, and it is. Whenever I have a blemish, I pop this on, and I notice a huge difference the next day. It's detoxifying without being too drying, which I really appreciate.

My Favorite Drugstore Lipsticks | #DrugstoreBeautyWeek

Milani lipsticks are some of my all time favorite. They're super creamy and pigmented and smell amazing. They're a great way to try out fun seasonal colors you may not always go for. I have 6 different shades, but 17 Plumrose is definitely my all time favorite. I find them to be really comparable to MAC lipsticks in the sense that both have great color pay off and go on easily.

from left to right

26 Nude Créme - The perfect every-day pinky nude
17 Plumrose - Mauves are some of my favorite shades and this is no different
05 Red Label - A perfect holiday red with blue undertones
12 Flamingo Pose - A bright pink with some peachy undertones
01 Sweet Nectar - A true orange, great for summer
24 Black Cherry - My favorite shade for fall/winter

Drugstore Concealers That Really Work | #DrugstoreBeautyWeek

Concealers are one of my favorite beauty products (definitely top 3) and there are some hidden gems at the drugstore that are really great! Here are my 6 favorite!
1. L'Oreal True Match Super Blendable Concealer - This is a great concealer for under the eyes. In general the true match line from L'Oreal is really great, and this is no exception. They have a great color range which is something that can be tough to find at the drugstore.
2. Maybelline Fit Me Concealer - This is my favorite concealer on the list. It's super comparable to the NARS radiant creamy concealer, but for a third of the price. If you've been wanting to try the NARS one, pick this up instead. The quality is amazing, and it does a great job and hiding my dark circles. I can't live without it.
3. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser - This concealer is magical. It comes in two ranges, one of which has regular skin tone shades, and the other that has a brightening/pinky shade. Both are amazing, and the pinky-toned one is a great base for another concealer. It completely cancels out dark circles.
4. Maybelline FaceStudie Master Conceal - This concealer reminds me of the M.A.C Pro Longwear concealer in terms of consistency, both are creamy and very opaque. This is great for both under eye concealing and blemish concealing.
5. Garnier Skin Renew Anti-Dark Circle Eye Roller - I always find this product so interesting because it combines and eye treatment with a concealer. Unlike the others on this list, this isn't a full coverage concealer but it is worth trying. It combines a caffeine gel with a light/medium coverage concealer, to help rid you of your dark circles while concealing them. The applicator also helps de-puff the area. It's amazing.
6. L.A. Girl Pro Conceal HD Concealer - This concealer is so affordable it's practically free. For just under $3 you have tons of shades to choose from, and multiple ways to use this. The darker shades are perfect for contouring and the brush tip makes it great for nose contouring in particular.

Best Drugstore Mascaras | #DrugstoreBeautyWeek

This is the beginning of #drugstoreweek and I'm so excited. I absolutely love drugstore mascara and it's the number one product I recommend saving your money on. The drugstore has some amazing mascaras that exceed even the most expensive designer tubes. Here are my 6 favorite 

1. Maybelline Great Lash Mascara - This is a serious OG mascara. My mom used this when I was little and I still think it's a great mascara. It gets the job done, and even though it isn't fancy, if you're on a budget, this is definitely worth picking up. 
2. L'Oreal Telescopic Carbon Black Mascara - This is a great mascara for length. It gives you super long spidery lashes that are seriously amazing. It's super black, which is important for me. This doesn't give you any real volume, so if you don't love length and prefer volume, this might not be the best choice for you.
3. Maybelline "The Colossal Volum' Express" Mascara - This is my second favorite mascara on this list. I think it does an amazing job at giving your lashes both volume and length. Again, it's super black and doesn't smudge, even on my bottom lashes. 
4. CoverGirl LashBlast Volume Mascara - This mascara is a dupe for Benefit's 'They're Real.' It does practically the same thing - lengthens and separates.  The only difference is it's half the price. If you've been wanting to try the Benefit one but are on a budget, pick this one up instead.
5. CoverGirl Clump Crusher Mascara - Very similar to the LashBlast, this mascara lengthens and separates, but the curved wand allows you to prevent clumping. While I don't notice a huge difference between the two, if you find that your lashes easily clump when applying multiple coats of mascara, this is worth a try.
6. L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara - This mascara is holy grail status. I always need to have a tube in my makeup collection. It's super black and doesn't smudge. It gives my curls volume and length and has the type of brush I'm a fan of. Definitely my favorite on this list. 

Sephora VIB Sale Haul | Fall 2015

1. Kat Von D Liquid Lipstick in Lolita: I've been really into Mauve lips for the fall and thought this would be the perfect shade. I've never tried Kat Von D Liquid lipsticks but I've heard the formula is amazing.
2. Becca x Jaclyn Hill Highlighter in Champagne Pop: I love Jaclyn Hill, and Becca highlighters so this was a no-brainer.
3. Becca Mineral Blush: I'm not a huge blush person but I wanted to see what Becca's formula was like because I've heard great things about it. I chose the shade Wild Honey because it was a peachy nude and I thought it would be perfect for fall/winter.
4. Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist: Kim Kardashian uses it so it must be good right? I guess we'll find out! My skin is really dry so I'm hoping this will add some much needed moisture to it as the whether becomes colder.
5. Cover FX Natural Finish Oil Free Foundation: I'm not someone who buys a ton of foundation but recently I've been trying to push myself out of my comfort zone. This came up as a recommended product on Sephora's website so I decided to give it a try. I got the shade G+40.
6. Make Up For Ever Pro Bronze Fusion: Bronzer is definitely one of my favorite makeup products ever. I'm always on the hunt for the best one and I've never tried any from MUFG so I was immediately intrigued. I got the shade 35I because it's the darkest they offer and I take my bronzer very seriously.
7. Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2: This is my holy grail toner. I've been using it for about 8 years and I'm always skeptical to try a new one.
8. Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Deodorant: This is the only deodorant I use, and before you judge me, you need to smell it. I know it seems pricey for a deodorant but it lasts me between 2 and 3 months so it ends up being no more expensive that a drugstore version. I really do feel like this keeps me form smelling like sweat much better than the cheaper alternatives.
9. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder: I've been coveting these powders for months and finally decided to go for it. I chose the shade diffused light because I wanted to use it to set my under eye concealer and it was the shade that had a yellow undertone. 
10. Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Concealer: I've heard nothing but great things about this product and concealer is another beauty product I love. I got the shade light warm and can't wait to try it out.
11. Bobbi Brown Eye Shadow: This may seem pretty random, and it is, but I was browsing Sephora's website and the shade camel was screaming my name. I know this color isn't for everyone but I'm a huge fan and have generally been impressed by the Bobbi Brown shadows I've used.
12. Origins Mini Mask Marvels: Skin care is a big deal for me, and I try to use a face mask 3 times a week (although sometimes I can barely find time to do one). Origins is one of my favorite skin care brands and I LOVE the charcoal mask. Since I'm running out of the tube I have, I thought this would be a good way to replace it while also trying out some new ones.
13. GlamGlow Flashmud Brightening Treatment - This was a 100 point perk, which I usually don't go for, but I've been wanting to try this new mask from GlamGlow without forking out the $69.
14. YSL Covetable Couture Beauty Icons - This was a 500 point perk and I really only got it because everything form them is really pricey. This gives me the change to try a few products without the buyers remorse.

Artwork displayed is not owned by me

Top Shelf Beauty | Haircare Products

1. Macadamia Deep Repair Hair Mask - This mask will change your life. I genuinely don't think my hair would be able to survive without it. It leaves my hair super moisturized without it being greasy or feeling like there's product build-up. I've gone months using this instead of regular conditioner and it's worth every penny.
2. It's A 10 Miracle Leave-In Plus Keratin - This is another product that has changed my hair game. The keratin adds much needed moisture that isn't just rinsed out. This is a pricey item but I've noticed that it lasts me a really long time. It's also amazing because it doesn't make my hair feel sticky like other leave in products.
3. Batiste Dark & Deep Brown Dry Shampoo - If there is anything on this list you try, this should be it. Washing your hair every day is the worst thing you could do. It completely strips your hair of its natural oils and will totally dry it out. I try to wash my hair every 3 days, and this is the only reason I can do that. The dark tint makes it perfect for my brown hair and no matter how much I spray, it doesn't get gross.
4. Pureology Shampoo and Conditioner - I've been using Pureology Shampoo & Conditioner for years now. It's by far the best quality I've come across and I don't see myself using anything else. Again, they're pretty pricey, but because my hair is color treated I think it's worth it. My favorite line is their 'Precious Oil' collection.
5. Nume Argan Oil - Argan Oil is a pretty basic staple in most girls' haircare routine, but this one in particular is phenomenal. It seems like it's expensive, but it takes me  about a year to go through a bottle. I usually pick this up during the Cyber Monday sales because they're buy one get one free.
6. Extra Virgin Coconut Oil - If you don't have the budget to spend a lot on haircare, this is a great way to save money and still keep your hair healthy and looking fabulous. All I do is take about two spoonfuls of coconut oil and microwave it for about 5 to 10 seconds - just until it melts, and slather my hair with it. This works best when your hair is dry and you can leave it in for a few hours.
7. Cold Pressed Castor Oil - I've been getting tons of compliments recently on my hair being super long and this is my secret. Castor oil is a natural humectant, which is fancy speak for it brings circulation to the areas it touches. I mix this with the coconut oil and massage it into my scalp about once a week and leave it in for about 5 hours. The reason I mix it with coconut oil is because it's really thick and sticky and pulls at my hair if I thin it out with another oil. My hair has never grown so fast in my life.
8. BC Hair Therapy Repair Rescue Sealed Ends - Anyone who knows me knows I hate getting my hair cut. Every time I do I feel like they completely ignore what I want and cut way too much off. This has made it much easier to avoid the salon. I've noticed a huge difference in my split ends after using this for a few weeks. It also smells AMAZING which is a huge plus.
9. Pureology Colour Fanatic Heat Protectant - Anytime you heat style your hair you should be using a heat protectant. It's really important to put a barrier between your hair and the heat from whatever styling tool you're using. While I don't heat style my hair too often, every time I do, I use this. Without it, I don't think my hair would have been able to grow to the length it is.
10. Moroccan Oil Restorative Hair Mask - This is another amazing hair mask. It's definitely a splurge, but it's a cult favorite for a reason. It gets the job done, and the Moroccan Oil scent makes me so nostalgic. This isn't a must, but if you're in the mood to pamper yourself, I highly recommend this. 
11. Loreal Elnett Stain Extra Hold Hair Spray - I'm not a big hairspray person, but when I do use hairspray, this is what I use. It's no joke, and definitely isn't for people who want to restyle their hair after they use this. It's like superglue for your hair, and I'm really into it.
12. Redken Curvaceous Ringlet Perfecting Lotion - My hair is naturally curly, and the longer it gets the looser my curls get. I love putting this in my hair and scrunching it while it air dries. It doesn't leave my hair crunchy at all the way a mousse would. It gives my hair really nice soft curls and makes getting ready in the morning so much easier.
13. Alterna Bamboo Plumping Strand Extreme - Even though I have a lot of hair, it's pretty fine and doesn't have a ton of volume. Whenever I'm going to curl or blow dry my hair I like to massage a small amount of this into my roots. It makes a HUGE difference and if you have flat hair this will be your new best friend. Again, like the other products I've mentioned it doesn't make my hair greasy or give me any sort of gross product build-up.
14. John Freda Frizz-Ease Extra Strength - Sometimes my hair gets frizzy, but I don't want to put a heavy oil in it, like the Nume Argan oil. This is the perfect alternative and it's super affordable. You can find this at your local drugstore and it eliminates frizz without weighing down your hair.

My Sephora VIB Sale Picks & Wishlist | Fall 2015

It’s back! November is here and so is the VIB Rouge Sale, VIB rouge members can get 20% off their purchase with the code ROUGE20 November 6th-9th. Before a sale like this, I think it's really helpful to know what other people recommend buying, so I thought I would share my picks for this season!

1. Kat Von D Liquid Lipstick in Lolita: Mauve lips have taken off since Kylie Jenner made it her signature a few months back. This color is absolutely perfect for fall and on trend - not to mention it's a liquid lipstick so it'll stay all day without budging.  ($20)
2. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit: Hourglass products are super pricey, but they're truly amazing quality. I've been wanting to try the bronzer and blushes for a while and with this kit you get 6 travel size powders, which is a great deal if you've been coveting them! ($80)
3. Peter Thomas Roth Mask-A-Holic Kit: If you're anything like me you're obsessed with skin care. I love masks, but I find it hard to go through huge tubs before they go bad. This set allows you to try 5 different masks that come in reasonably sized containers so you don't worry about waisting product. ($75)
4. Marc Jacobs O!mega Bronzer: This product is absolutely massive! Marc Jacobs is another pricey brand, but if you've been wanting to try something, I recommend splurging on this product. You get a ton of bronzer for your money and the packaging is amazing quality so you don't need to worry about it breaking before you go through it. ($49)
5. Becca x Jaclyn Hill Highlighter in Champagne Pop: Youtube phenomenon Jaclyn Hill collaborated with Becca Cosmetics to create this limited addition highlighter. As a big fan of Jaclyn's and long time subscriber I've been wanting to get my hands on this bad boy and will definitely be getting it during the sale. ($38)
6. Tarte Bling It On Blush Palette: Blush isn't something I usually buy a ton of, but I think this palette is a great way to get a variety of shades that are great quality and cost efficient. Tarte Blushes are some of the best on the market and the packaging for this palette is way cute. ($44)
7. Bobbi Brown Lipstick in Salmon: If you're looking for an everyday lipstick, I highly recommend this one. Bobbi Brown lipsticks are some of my favorite and this shade is the perfect nudey pink.  ($27)
8. Dior Eye 5-Colour Shadow Palette in Trafalgar: This has been on my wish list for a while. Dior makeup in general always makes me feel fancy, but I can never convince myself to splurge on it. If you're the kind of person who prefers to have a smaller collection of makeup that's really special, this is amazing and the colors are absolutely stunning for fall. ($62)
9. Viseart Eye Shadow Palette 01: Ever since I saw this palette I've wanted it. The colors are right up my alley and every single swatch I've seen is to die for. It seems like a lot of money for an eye shadow palette but the pans of shadow themselves are actually quite big. ($80)
10. Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation: This is a cult favorite in the beauty community. If you're a fan of a dewy finish in a foundation, this is well worth the splurge. ($62)
11. Tarte Stroke of Midnight Brush Set: I'm a big believer that the tools you use when it comes to makeup are the most important. It doesn't matter if you spend $10 or $100 on foundation, if you have terrible brushes, nothing will look good. Tarte has amazing quality brushes, and you get 5 in this set for less that $10 each, plus a super cute tote.  ($44)
12. Roses De Chloe Perfume: I smelled this in store and fell in love. Fragrances are always expensive and almost never go on sale, so if you're looking to purchase a fragrance in the near future, this is a great opportunity.  ($120)
13. Guerlain Meteorites Illuminating Powder: This is another cult favorite and a collectors item. Guerlain never fails to impress me and every single meteorites I've swatched in store has been absolutely stunning. ($62)
14. Nailsinc x Victoria Beckham Polish in Bamboo White: I am OBSESSED with pink/nude/white nails and this is the epitome of perfection. I absolutely died when I saw this and have been waiting to get my hands on it. ($25)
15. Bobbi Brown Hydrating Eye Cream: I struggle with dark circles because a lot of the time my under eye area is dehydrated. Bobbi Brown skin care is really great and after having a deluxe sample of this, I've been wanting a full size. ($50)
16. NARS Audacious lipstick in Liv: Every time I'm in Sephora I swatch these lipsticks and am more impressed each time. They are extremely pigmented and creamy and the shade Liv is perfect for fall/winter. ($32)
17. Sephora Favorites Superstars:  This is great for the girl who wants to try a bunch of different products. This set in particular has a variety of full size items, including a Beauty Blender, Stila eye liner, and Nars dual intensity shadow. For those three items alone I think this set is worth it. If you've been eyeing a couple of the items in this set I definitely recommend going for it. ($75)
18. Marc Jacobs Style Eyecon No. 20 Palette: This is without a doubt a splurge, but you get an absurd amount of product for the money - 20 shadows! This could easily be the entirety of your eye shadow collection and you'd never need anything else. Marc Jacobs has great quality eye shadows and this palette has a great range of colors. ($99)
19. Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil: I've been wanting to try this night oil every since I read a few of the reviews online. It's really a stretch if you're on a budget, but if you're a skincare buff and don't mind spending the money, this could be the perfect match. ($105)
20. Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist: When I heard Kim Kardashian uses this I was intrigued. I haven't tried anything from Tatcha but think I'll pick it up during the sale. Again, I have dry skin so I'm curious to see how this works to rectify that. ($48)

Half Skull Makeup | Halloween 2015

This Halloween G and I decided to do a half skull makeup look as our costume. I practiced once on him before doing it and twice on myself, mostly because I wasn't sure how the products I bought would work. We got tons of compliments (much to my surprise) so I wanted to briefly show you some pictures (sorry they aren't the best) and let you know how I achieved the look. Next year I'll do an in-depth tutorial on how to recreate the makeup! (Excuse G's red eye ball, he's an eye liner rookie)

Products Used:
1. White Face Paint 2. Wet & Wild Halloween palette (no online link, any black grease/cream makeup would work) 3. Nars Larger Than Life Eye Liner in Via Veneto 4. Sephora Black Eye Shadow 5. Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray

I started by putting a thin layer of white face paint on half of his face and drying it with a blow dryer on the cool setting. I then did another thin layer, thin being the key word here, and dried it again.  After that I sketched out all of the black areas; I created the lines for his teeth, his nose, and his eye. 
The teeth are definitely the most important part and bring the whole face to life. I started by creating even lines above and below his lips and then slowly started to curve the sides inwards to replicate the body of the tooth. I would definitely recommend curving the bottom to create a more realistic tooth if you have the time to put in some extra detail. I filled in the little 'V' shaped I had created by curving the lines and slightly smudged them with my finger, using black eye shadow as needed.
For the nose, all I did was map out half a tear shape and fill it in with the black Wet & Wild creme makeup. I did the same for the eye, except right under it I used black eye liner. I set all of the solid black areas with black eye shadow to prevent creasing. I used the Sephora brand eye shadow, but any black shadow you have lying around would do.
Once I finished the solid areas, I moved on to recreating the jaw bone that connects to the teeth. This part was really easy. All I did was create a reversed 'C' to appear as if the teeth were sitting inside of the jaw bone structure. I then colored in the back portion of the reverse 'C' closest to the temple, with the cream makeup and faded it to the teeth (setting the solid part first) with black eye shadow.
I created shadows on the forehead and temple area using a small liner brush and eye shadow, blending it out with a fluffy brush and a tiny bit of additional eye shadow. I used the same technique to create little shadows around the nose, under the the eye, and around the jaw.
Once I was done, I sprayed a bunch of setting spray on the painted half of G's face (I had Urban Decay, but whatever you had would be fine) and used the blow dryer, again on the cool setting, and  on low, to dry everything one last time!
If you recreate this look, make sure to tag me in it so I can see! I hope this was helpful and not too confusing