Happy Thanksgiving!  For those who celebrate it, I hope you’ve been having a lovely day with your loved ones.  For those who don’t, I hope your Thursday is every bit as lovely (or perhaps Friday, depending on where you may reside!).  I’d like to take this moment to share a few things that I’m thankful for:  the love and support of my family, the loyalty and trust of my readers, and of the beauty community at large for creating a vibrant, knowledgeable, and vast universe for those who are passionate about beauty.

Here is my totally indulgent look for today (meaning:  products I just wanted to wear, not because I needed to test them!) — thanks for visiting as always!

EYES

I used MAC 242 Brush for the cream eyeshadows, Makeup Geek Small Crease Brush for the crease, and IT Cosmetics #112 Airbrush Precision Shadow Brush for the brow bone highlighter. I started by patting ColourPop Fringe Super Shock Shadow on the very inner fourth of the lid, near the tearduct, and then lighting pulling the sparkle/shimmer upward past the innermost crease area. Next, I applied ColourPop KathleenLights Super Shock Shadow on the middle of the lid, overlapping with Fringe. To get a better gradient between the two shades, I then patted ColourPop Cheap Date Super Shock Shadow between the two, just gently. To add more contrast, I applied ColourPop Drift Super Shock Shadow to the outer third of the lid and lightly buffing just into the crease but not above it. For the crease, I applied ColourPop Central Perk Super Shock Shadow with a small crease brush and buffed it quite a bit above the crease itself. To merge the outer lid and crease shades together, I applied ColourPop Moonshine Super Shock Shadow to the crease. To diffuse the crease color, I applied ColourPop Truth Super Shock Shadow to the brow bone with a fluffy brush. I used Sephora Love Affair Eyeliner on the lower lash line, and then patted ColourPop Fringe Super Shock Shadow over the inner third and ColourPop Dance Party Super Shock Shadow on the outer two-thirds. I used IT Cosmetics Tightline mascara with Dior DiorShow layered on top.

FACE

I applied Marc Jacobs Beauty Coconut Primer prior to doing anything else, so that it had time to absorb into the skin. 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 Tom Ford Love Lust Blush on cheeks and highlighted with Laura Geller Ballerina Baked Gelato Illuminator. To set and buff everything in (I also toned down the cheek color I had on) with Guerlain Les Voilettes Loose Powder in 03. I used Clarins Fix’ Makeup Spray as a final setting step.

LIPS

I mixed Tom Ford Malik Lip Color and Tom Ford Derek Lip Color together, and then layered the mixed lipstick hue with Sephora Good Fairy Ultra Shine Holographic Lip Gel. I highlighted the cupid’s bow and just below the center of the bottom lip with Laura Mercier 001 Matte Radiance Powder using a fluffy brow brush.

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Thanksgiving 2015 Makeup Look

Thanksgiving 2015 Makeup Look

Thanksgiving 2015 Makeup Look

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.

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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.

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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

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).

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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 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.

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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

How-to: Merry Makeup

This is my look for Christmas Eve  It is definitely similar to what I normally opt for over Christmas!  This year, I decided to use green eyeliner rather than green eyeshadow.  You could add glitter over the lid for added sparkle, too.

Eyes: Begin by using a fluffy crease brush (I used MUFE #17S) and apply a red-burgundy eyeshadow (I used Inglot #450 Eyeshadow) into the crease and blending towards the outer corner as well. Next, apply a honey gold eyeshadow (I used Inglot #430 Eyeshadow) with a firm eyeshadow brush (I used MAC 239) on the outer two-thirds of the lid. Apply a soft, warm orange eyeshadow (I used Inglot #403 Eyeshadow) on the inner third of the lid. To highlight the brow bone, apply a shimmery beige/white eyeshadow (I used Inglot #395 Eyeshadow) just underneath the brow bone, then pat a matte beige eyeshadow (I used Burberry Trench) between the crease color and the brow highlight to soften the shimmer finish. Finally, line the lower lash line with a deep green/teal (I used MAC Junkie), and then apply a liquid gold eyeliner (I used Urban Decay Eldorado) to brighten and add sparkle.

Face: Prep face by moisturizing, then applying any face primers (I used Eve Pearl’s Moisturizing Primer). I applied a few drops and dabs of liquid foundation (I used Giorgio Armani Maestro) and blend out using a dense foundation brush (I used Hourglass’ Foundation Brush). Next, apply a natural blusher, which will depend on your complexion, with either brown or plum tones (I used Kevyn Aucoin Natura) with a soft blush brush (I used Bobbi Brown’s Blush Brush). Finish the look by setting with pressed or loose powder (I used Guerlain Wulong) with a large, bluffy brush (I used MAC 138).

Lips: Prep lips by keeping them hydrated prior to applying lip color–I usually have lip balm on whenever I’m not wearing a lip color, but if you don’t usually do this, try applying a lip balm 20 minutes prior (or more), then lightly blot off right before you apply your lip color. Apply a berry-red lipstick (I used Guerlain Gigolo) onto lips, and then lightly pat a shimmering gold gloss (I used Bobbi Brown Canary) on top for sparkle and shine.

One more photo of the whole kit ‘n’ caboodle look… 

My Wedding Makeup

I actually didn’t know what I was going to do quite yet for my makeup until I tested out Guerlain Turandot Eyeshadow Palette (which I reviewed last month).  I loved the way it looked on me, and the colors were perfect for autumn.  I knew at once that it was a happy medium that used color and not just neutrals, but it wasn’t too bold or smoky, as our ceremony was being held in the late morning.  I went with a gold eyeliner on the bottom lash line, because it brightened up my eyes, so naturally, Honey was my go-to, as it was one of my all-time favorites.   With the warm-toned eyes, I knew I’d be going with corals, which I tend to like on myself.   I wore the same eyes and cheeks all day long, but for our evening reception, I changed the lips to Chanel Dragon and Bobbi Brown Naked Plum.

I won’t have my photos back for approximately a month, but when I have some to share, I will be sure to share a few.  These are the only photos I managed to take in the last few minutes before we had to leave to go to the ceremony location.  I spent a half hour on makeup, even if I used a truck-load of products!

Eyes:

• NARS Smudgeproof Eyeshadow Base
• Guerlain Turandot Eyeshadow Palette
• Burberry Trench Eyeshadow
• Urban Decay Honey 24/7 Eyeliner
• Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Waterproof Mascara
• MAC Espresso Eyeshadow
• MAC Clear Brow Set

I applied a layer of primer on from lash line to brow bone.  Then, I applied the lighter plum eyeshadow on the inner third of the lid, followed by the darker brown eyeshadow on the outer third of the lid.  I patted the gold eyeshadow directly on the center of the lid and pulled it outwards and inwards to blend with the other two colors.  I used separate MAC 239 eyeshadow brushes for those three colors.  I swept on the darker plum shade into the crease and diffused it upwards using Make Up For Ever’s #17S crease brush.  Next, I took the MAC 239 again with the gold eyeshadow and patted it on the inner tear duct and then pulled it upwards over the inner crease.  I lined the lower lashes with Honey eyeliner.  I filled in brows using Espresso eyeshadow and MAC’s 266 brush, then combed through them with a clean mascara spoolie and set with brow gel.  To finish the look, I heavily applied Eyes to Kill mascara (waterproof, of course) to upper and lower lashes.

Face:

• Eve Pearl Moisturizing Primer
• Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer
• Guerlain Parure Gold (02 & 03)
• OCC Concealer (Y2)
• Cle de Peau Concealer (Beige Ochre)
• Guerlain Terracotta Light Touch Highlighter (02)
• Tom Ford Love Lust Blush
• MAC Sculpt Sculpting Powder
• Guerlain Parure de Nuit Pressed Powder & Blush
• Guerlain Teint Rose Pressed Meteorites

I applied the moisturizing primer first, just prior to applying my eye makeup, so it would have a chance to sink in.  After fifteen minutes or so, I applied the Mineral Veil primer, and I let that sink in for five to ten minutes.  I used one pump of #02 and half a pump of #03, then mixed them between my fingers, and dotted it all over the face.  I used Hourglass #2 Foundation Brush to blend and diffuse the foundation on the face and down the neck.  I applied two pats of Cle de Peau’s Concealer on my under eye area and blended just over the bridge of my nose.  I then patted OCC’s Concealer over that.  I finished the under eye area by lightly tapping Terracotta Light Touch to brighten.  To add color to cheeks, I tapped Love Lust blush on apples and blended towards temples with MAC’s 116 brush.  I lightly contoured the hollows of my cheeks with MAC Sculpt and MAC’s 168 brush.  I lightly swept on Parure de Nuit as a highlighter on cheek bones with MAC’s 165 brush.  To set everything into place, I used MAC’s 184 brush and Pressed Meteorites.

Lips:

• Guerlain Gems Rouge G Lipstick
• Cle de Peau #2 Lipgloss
• Bobbi Brown Citrus High Shimmer Lipgloss

I applied Gems lipstick onto lips with a lip brush.  I lightly patted Cle de Peau #2 on the center of the lower lips, then pressed lips together.  I finished by applying a full coat of Citrus and lightly pressing my lips together.

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Look: My Christmas Makeup

I like themed makeup myself, so I felt it was only right to incorporate red and green into a look in the spirit of Christmas. One of the easiest ways to tie green and red together is by using gold, and if you want to try out a cooler-toned version of it, you could try silver. Gold is easier, just because greens tend to have subtle yellow undertones and reds easily blend to a burnished copper when they mesh with golds.

You will need the following…

• Eyes: NARS Smudgeproof Eyeshadow Base (eyeshadow primer), Inglot #418 Eyeshadow (medium-dark forest green with gold sheen), Inglot #430 Eyeshadow (deep, rich honey gold), Inglot #450 Eyeshadow (cranberry), Burberry Trench Eyeshadow (beige), Bobbi Brown Bronze/Chocolate Dual-Ended Eyeliner (bronze), Hourglass Film Noir Mascara (black)
• Face: Make Up For Ever HD Foundation (130), Illamasqua Seduce Cream Blush (plum), Guerlain Les Voilettes Mineral Powder (03)
• Lips: Giorgio Armani #602 Gloss d’Armani (semi-sheer plum), Hourglass Imagine Extreme Sheen Lipgloss (gold sheen)

For eyes, I applied a light layer of NARS Smudgeproof on the lid as an eyeshadow primer from lash line to brow bone with a firm, flat brush.  The first eyeshadow I applied was Inglot #430, which I applied to the upper two-thirds of the lid and just barely into crease with a small eyeshadow brush.  With the edge of an eyeshadow brush, I applied Inglot #418 on the lower third of the lid, and then I went back with the previous brush to soften the edge (I always prefer to blend light into dark).  With a fluffy crease brush, I applied Inglot #450 above the crease and towards the inner tear duct, following the natural shape of the crease.  Next, I softened the edge with Inglot #430 lightly blended outwards.  To highlight the brow, I applied Burberry Trench with a fluffy blending brush.   On the lower lash line, I first applied Bobbi Brown Bronze and smudged Inglot #430 below.  Finally, I applied a coat of Hourglass Film Noir to lengthen and thicken lashes.

For face, I applied Make Up For Ever HD with a circular foundation brush.  I blended Illamasqua Seduce onto cheeks with fingertips and set with Guerlain Les Voilettes.  For lips, I applied Giorgio Armani #602 mixed with Hourglass Imagine.

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