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.

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Mother’s Day Look

Mother’s Day 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)

Here’s a sneak peek of the upcoming Urban Decay x Pulp Fiction collaboration! Stay tuned for full photos, swatches, reviews, and all that good stuff!

Eyes

For the eyes, I used the new, limited edition Urban Decay Pulp Fiction Eyeshadow Palette. I applied Righteous eyeshadow on the inner two-thirds of the lid, and then I blended Tyranny on the outer third and towards the middle of the lid. I darkened the crease with Vengeance with a larger, fluffier crease brush, and then I defined further by applying Anger with a smaller, more precise crease brush. On the brow bone, I mixed Righteous and Tyranny to blend from the darker crease color towards the brow bone. I lightly highlighted the brow bone with Furious. I used Urban Decay’s Perversion 24/7 Eyeliner on the lower lash line and water line.

Face

I began by applying Giorgio Armani Maestro (5.5) Liquid Foundation, then set with Urban Decay Naked Loose Finishing Powder. I patted on Laura Mercier Sensual Reflections Cheek Melange as a more defining/contouring blush (so it is applied a bit lower than a normal blush).

Lips & Nails

I used Urban Decay Mrs. Mia Wallace Lip Pencil on the outer edges of the lip as a liner (but didn’t fill in the lips entirely), and then I applied Urban Decay Mrs. Mia Wallace Revolution Lipstick all over the lips. I applied two coats of Urban Decay Mrs. Mia Wallace Nail Color on nails.

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Urban Decay Pulp Fiction Makeup Look

Urban Decay Pulp Fiction Makeup Look

Urban Decay Pulp Fiction Makeup Look

Urban Decay Pulp Fiction Makeup Look

Urban Decay Pulp Fiction Makeup Look

Urban Decay Mrs. Mia Wallace Revolution Lipstick

Urban Decay Mrs. Mia Wallace Revolution Lipstick

Urban Decay Mrs. Mia Wallace Lip Pencil

Urban Decay Mrs. Mia Wallace Lip Pencil

Urban Decay Gunmetal Glitter Eyeliner

Urban Decay Gunmetal Glitter Eyeliner

Urban Decay Pulp Fiction Palette

Urban Decay Righteous Eyeshadow

Urban Decay Tyranny Eyeshadow

Urban Decay Vengeance Eyeshadow

Urban Decay Furious Eyeshadow

Urban Decay Anger Eyeshadow

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.

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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).

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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 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.

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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.

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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

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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