Hope all the mothers, mothers-to-be, sisters, aunts, grandparents, fathers who played both roles, and any and all maternal figures in your life have a beautiful day filled with love and smiles.  I know I am beyond fortunate to have the mother that I do; I see her reflected in myself often, and I know that a lot of who I am today is because of her–her philosophies, teachings, support, love, and sacrifices.

• EYES | bareMinerals The Nature of Nudes Palette — Truffle (inner lid), Libation (middle of lid), Guest Star (outer lid), Priceless (crease), Black Tie Optional (crease), Tranquil (above crease), Chance (brow bone), Opulence (brow bone) with Make Up For Ever I90 Aqua XL (outer 2/3 of lower lash line) and Make Up For Ever ME42 Aqua XL (inner 1/3 of lower lash line, below purple faintly).
• CHEEKS | Chanel Jersey Joues Contraste Blush as a blush, Urban Decay Aura Highlighter along cheek bones to highlight.
• FACE | Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Foundation with Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder to set.
• LIPS | Urban Decay Rapture Vice Lipstick.

See more photos!

Mother’s Day Look

Mother’s Day Look

EYES

I applied the eyeshadows using two MAC 242 brushes (flat, synthetic eye brushes), Makeup Geek Small Crease Brush (small, tapered synthetic), and IT Cosmetics All-Over Shadow Brush (fluffy, synthetic).  I applied ColourPop Puppy Love Super Shock Shadow on the inner half of the lid with the 242 brush, and then I layered ColourPop So Quiche Super Shock Shadow over the middle third of the lid.  I used the second 242 brush to apply ColourPop Ibiza Super Shock Shadow on the outer third of the lid and lightly buffing into the crease (but not past it).  Next, I applied ColourPop Kimono Super Shock Shadow in the outer crease and smudged along the outermost corner of the lid with Makeup Geek Small Crease Brush.  I applied Stila Mint Julep Smudge Stick Eyeliner on the lower waterline and between lashes, then I applied Sephora My Boyfriend’s Jeans Contour Pencil on the lower lash line.  I layered ColourPop Ibiza on the inner half and ColourPop Kimono on the outer half of the lower lash line.  I wore Dior Diorshow Mascara on lashes.

FACE

After I finished applying my eye makeup, I applied a mix of Guerlain Parure Gold Foundation in 02 and 03 (about 2/3 and 1/3).  I applied ColourPop Santos Super Shock Cheek on cheeks as a blush with fingertips.  To set and buff everything in (I also toned down the cheek color I had on) with Guerlain Les Voilettes Loose Powder in 03.

LIPS

I applied Guerlain Garance Rouge G Lipstick all over lips, and then I patted on MAC Spanking Haute Vamplify Lipgloss (mostly for warmth; the lipstick was pinker than I wanted for the look!).

See more photos!

Neutral with a ColourPOP! of Teal

Neutral with a ColourPOP! of Teal

Neutral with a ColourPOP! of Teal

Neutral with a ColourPOP! of Teal

I’ve grown so accustomed to having different eyeshadows on each eye that whenever I apply the same eyeshadows on each eye, I’m a bit taken aback by how it looks to match! I can’t say I wasn’t testing anything on Christmas (namely, the eyeshadows), but I did bring out some of my all-time favorites.

Look Breakdown

EYES: ColourPop Tea Party applied to inner third of lid, both applied with a narrow brush as well as patted slightly with fingertips. ColourPop Solstice applied to the middle of lid using a medium-sized, eyeshadow brush. ColourPop Sequin applied to the outer third of the lid using the same brush as before. ColourPop To-a-T applied into the outer crease using a synthetic rounded crease brush and buffed above crease towards the brow bone. ColourPop Fleek/Effect (dark brown side) applied into outer crease and diffused slightly above crease. Burberry Trench was dusted underneath the brow bone as a highlighter with a fluffy blending brush. ColourPop Fleek/Effect (teal side) applied with an angled eyeliner brush to the lower lash line with ColourPop Sequin smudged underneath. I used Sephora Blonde Ambition on the water line to brighten.

FACE: Guerlain Parure Gold (02 and 03 mixed equally) mixed with Kevyn Aucoin Celestial applied all-over the face with a flat-topped round, synthetic brush and buffed into the skin. I patted Urban Decay Naked Loose into the skin to help set and finish the base with a tapered powder brush. Tom Ford Love Lust was applied to cheeks to add warmth and color with a feathery blush brush. Kevyn Aucoin Starlight was dusted on top of cheek bones and down the bridge of the nose to highlight. Guerlain Wulong was lightly dusted all-over face to finish the look.

LIPS: Chanel Dragon applied to lips.

See more photos!

My Christmas Look (2014)

My Christmas Look (2014)

My Christmas Look (2014)

My Christmas Look (2014)

My Christmas Look (2014)

My Christmas Look (2014)

It’s an interesting mix of eyeshadows in the collection, and I wanted to go for the idea of a the lower lash line being the “stem” or leaves with the lid encompassing the colors of blooms.

Eyes

I applied MAC Blooming Mad Eyeshadow on the inner third of the lid and on inner tear duct going up towards the brow bone. Next, I applied MAC Artistic License Eyeshadow to the middle of the lid to brighten. I patted MAC Hidden Motive Eyeshadow onto the outer lid and lightly blended into the crease. I used MAC Deep Fixation Eyeshadow to darken the crease and blended upwards towards the brow bone. I used Burberry Trench Eyeshadow to highlight the brow bone. I used MAC Black Ivy Fluidline along the lower lash line with MAC Copperthorn Fluidline on the inner third of the lower lash line. I used Sephora Sun Tan Eyeliner on the water line to brighten. I smudged MAC Lucky Green Eyeshadow along the outer two-thirds of the lower lash line.

Face

I used Guerlain Parure de Lumiere Foundation (002 and 003) as my base and set with Urban Decay Naked Loose Finishing Powder. I applied MAC Worldly Wealth Blush to the apples of the cheeks.

Lips

I first applied MAC Venomous Violet Sheen Supreme Lipstick and then used MAC Glorious Intent Sheen Supreme Lipglass Tint to try to smooth the color out.

See more photos!

MAC Moody Blooms Makeup Look

MAC Moody Blooms Makeup Look

MAC Moody Blooms Makeup Look

MAC Moody Blooms Makeup Look

MAC Moody Blooms Makeup Look

The inspiration behind this look was to pair warmer neutrals with a bold, rich red lip. I also wanted to try using a sheer black gloss over red, and the neutrals in bareMinerals The Nude Beach Eyeshadow Palette seemed like a good way to start.

Eyes

For the eyeshadows, I used shades from the bareMinerals The Nude Beach Eyeshadow Palette. I started by applying bareMinerals Nude Beach Eyeshadow to the inner third of the lid and lightly diffused towards the middle of the lid. Next, I applied bareMinerals Tan Lines Eyeshadow to the outer third of the lid and lightly blended it towards the middle of the lid. I patted on bareMinerals In the Buff Eyeshadow on the middle of the lid between the inner and outer thirds of the lid. In the crease, I applied bareMinerals Santorini Eyeshadow and blended upwards about halfway between the crease and the brow bone. I lightly dusted bareMinerals Pure Eyeshadow on the brow bone to highlight. For the lower lash line, I applied Marc Jacobs Blacquer Highliner Gel Crayon on the waterline and slightly on the lower lash line, but I primarily used bareMinerals Skinny Dip Eyeshadow to accent the lower lash line.

Face

I mixed two shades of Guerlain Parure de Lumiere Foundation with half of a pump of Kevyn Aucoin Celestial Skin Liquid Illuminating Emulsion as my base. For blush, I applied Becca Guava Beach Tint on the apples of cheeks. I set with Urban Decay Naked Loose Finishing Powder.

Lips

I applied Dolce & Gabbana Scarlett (602) Classic Cream Lipstick on the lips, and then I applied Smashbox black Tied Be Legendary Lipgloss on top with a separate lip brush.

See more photos!

bareMinerals The Nude Beach Makeup Look

bareMinerals The Nude Beach Makeup Look

bareMinerals The Nude Beach Makeup Look

bareMinerals The Nude Beach Makeup Look

bareMinerals The Nude Beach Makeup Look

Last week, a few readers said they missed seeing looks posted on the blog (as in, cohesive ones!), so I’ll try to post some periodically–depending on whether there’s time for a more “free” day.  Sometimes there are so many products to test, I can’t give up the facial real estate  On Saturday, we spent all day with my husband’s family, which is usually a 14-hour minimum, so it’s a day where I prefer to just go with something that works.  I remember several readers wanted to see Stila Smudge Stick Mint Julep in action, so I thought this might a good opportunity to showcase that as well.  Going forward, I will try to post looks using recently reviewed products, but this was a very “for me” look more than anything, so hopefully you can forgive the excess of older products in it.

Eyes

A lot of the times if I’m not specifically testing something for wear, then I’ll reach for products that I really, really love that are, more-than-likely, discontinued or long ago limited editions. I love the two shades of cream eyeshadow Tom Ford released a year ago so much that I keep them in my basics/regular routine drawer, and I always take them with me when I travel. I’m so used to not using primer these days, but when I know I’m going out and about all day and am not testing, then I’ll still start with a primer!

I used NARS Smudge Proof spread all over the lid to the brow bone with a finger tip. I also like to take a little and apply it to the lower lash line for extra hold for the eyeliners I’ll use as well. Next, I applied Tom Ford Escapade Cream Eyeshadow to the first two-thirds of the lid, starting from the inner lid and moving outwards. Tom Ford Pink Haze Cream Eyeshadow was applied to the outer third of the lid and into the crease, blending outwards and upwards. To soften the edge of the crease eyeshadow, I applied Burberry Trench Eyeshadow to the brow bone (this is my go-to highlighter). For the lower lash line, first I applied Marc Jacobs Beauty Ody(sea) (62) Highliner Gel Crayon, and then I applied Stila Smudge Stick Mint Julep underneath the inner two-thirds of the lower lash line and along the water line. The effect made it look as if the eyeliner was glowing–I was quite in love with it! For lashes, I used a mascara fan brush to apply MAC Opulash Mascara.

Face

Normally, I find primer an unnecessary step with my skin type (normal-to-dry) for regular, everyday wear, but yesterday was going to be a longer, 14+ hour kind of day, so I started by applying Hourglass Mineral Veil all over my face. Then, I mixed two shades of Guerlain Parure de Lumiere Foundation with half of a pump of Kevyn Aucoin Celestial Skin Liquid Illuminating Emulsion as my base. For blush, I applied Troy Surratt Duchesse Blush  on the apples of cheeks. I set with Urban Decay Naked Loose Finishing Powder and finished with Guerlain Wulong Pressed Meteorites Powder.

Lips

I mixed two shades of OCC Stained Gloss in Aurora and Dune (reviews are forthcoming).

See more photos!

Neutral Eyes with Teal Eyeliner

Neutral Eyes with Teal Eyeliner

Neutral Eyes with Teal Eyeliner

Neutral Eyes with Teal Eyeliner

Neutral Eyes with Teal Eyeliner

Here’s a quick look using the new products from the MAC x Pedro Lourenço Collection. The collection will be available online May 29th and in-stores on June 5th (North America). Full reviews are still head, so stay tuned!

Eyes

I used MAC Nude Eyeshadow Quad for the eye makeup. I started by applying MAC Pink Sands Eyeshadow to the inner third of the lid. Then, I lightly applied and blended MAC All That Glitters Eyeshadow to the middle of the lid. Next, I applied MAC Rose Cloud Eyeshadow along the outer corner and crease, blending it upwards past the crease, towards the brow bone. To darken the crease, I used MAC Sable Eyeshadow. For the lash line, I opted for Marc Jacobs Beauty Plum(age) Highliner Gel Crayon (I’m in the process of testing). To fill in brows, I mixed the two shades from MAC x Kelly Osbourne’s MAC Morning Mister Magpie Brow Duo.

Face

For foundation, I used Make Up For Ever #2 Lift Foundation and then set with Urban Decay Light-Medium Naked Loose Finishing Powder. I applied the plum shade in MAC Corol Powder Blush Duo onto the cheeks, and then I highlighted using MAC Hush Cream Colour Base.

Lips

First, I applied MAC Roxo Lipstick all over the lips. Then, I dabbed and smoothed MAC Gold Mirror Lipglass over for added shimmer and shine.

See more photos!

MAC x Pedro Lourenço Look

MAC x Pedro Lourenço Look

MAC x Pedro Lourenço Look

MAC x Pedro Lourenço Look

MAC x Pedro Lourenço Look

Here’s a quick look using just Sharon’s products from the MAC x Osbournes Collection. The collection will be available online June 2nd and in-stores on June 12th (North America). Full reviews are still head, so stay tuned!

Eyes

I used MAC Duchess Eyeshadow Quad for the eye makeup. I started with applying MAC Sweet Eyes Eyeshadow on the inner third of the lid, and then I applied MAC Sexy Eyes Eyeshadow on the middle of the lid. In the outer corner and crease, I applied MAC Femme Fatale Eyeshadow. To darken the crease, I applied MAC Embark Eyeshadow. I highlighted the brow bone with MAC Sweet Eyes Eyeshadow dusted on. For the lash line, I opted for Marc Jacobs Beauty Brownout Highliner Gel Crayon (I’m in the process of testing), but you could use MAC Bountiful Brown (included in the collection), which is a long-time permanent shade. To fill in brows, I mixed the two shades from Kelly’s MAC Morning Mister Magpie Brow Duo.

Face

For foundation, I used Make Up For Ever #2 Lift Foundation and then set with Urban Decay Light-Medium Naked Loose Finishing Powder. I started adding color to the cheeks by using the bronzer side of MAC Refresh Mineralize Skinfinish Duo to lightly contour the hollows of my cheeks, and then I applied MAC Peaches & Cream Blush to the apples of cheeks for color. To add luminosity, I used the highlighter section of MAC Refresh Mineralize Skinfinish Duo and dusted it lightly across the tops of the cheek bones.

Lips

First, I applied MAC Ruby Patentpolish Lip Pencil all over the lips, and then I patted on MAC Pussywillow Lipglass to add glossiness and shimmer.

See more photos!

MAC x Sharon Osbourne Look

MAC x Sharon Osbourne Look

MAC x Sharon Osbourne Look

MAC x Sharon Osbourne Look

MAC x Sharon Osbourne Look