The new Urban Decay Electric Pressed Pigment Palette (review) went up for sale this morning, and here are two looks featuring the new palette with quick step-by-step instructions.  Just to reiterate, as per the back of the palette: “Warning: Slowburn, Savage, Jilted, and Urban are not intended for the immediate eye area.”.  Here’s Urban Decay’s response (per Facebook): “A few shades contain a colorant that has not yet been approved for the use around the immediate eye area. However, this restriction only applies in the U.S.; in every other country where Urban Decay is sold, these shades are approved for use around the eyes. Bottom line? We didn’t want to limit the Electric Palette to eyeshadow. It’s an artistry palette with unlimited possibilities! How you use these shades is up to you. (And no matter where you use them, you’ll get insane color payout.).”

Look #1

1. Apply Urban Eyeshadow to the lower third of the lid going horizontally across the upper lash line.
2. Apply Savage Eyeshadow to the upper third to half of the lid (right before the crease), lightly overlaying Urban Eyeshadow to blend.
3. Apply Slowburn Eyeshadow into the crease and blending above, towards the brow bone.
4. Apply X Eyeshadow above the crease and along the inner tearduct to soften and blend out Slowburn Eyeshadow.
5. Apply ABC Gum Eyeshadow on the brow bone and layer over the edge of Chaos Eyeshadow to bring everything together.
6. Apply darkest shade in Brown Sugar Brow Box with an angled brush to define brows.
7. Apply Scorch 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil to lower lash line.
8. Apply two coats of Supercurl Mascara to upper and lower lashes.
9. Apply Naked Skin Liquid Foundation (3.0 and 4.0) and buff into skin.
10. Apply Naked Flushed Bronzer to cheeks to add subtle warmth, and then lightly dust Naked Flushed Highlighter to cheek bones to highlight.
11. Apply Jilted Revolution Lipstick to lips and pat on Naked Ultra Nourishing Lipgloss for a bolder look or apply Naked Ultra Nourishing Lipgloss and mix in Streak Ultra Nourishing Lipgloss for a subtler lip color.

Look #2

1. Apply Thrash Eyeshadow to the inner third of the lid by patting shadow into place.
2. Apply Freak Eyeshadow to the middle of the lid and blend into Thrash.
3. Apply Fringe Eyeshadow to the outer third of the lid and blend into the outer corner/crease.
4. Apply Chaos Eyeshadow into the crease and blend above the crease.
5. Apply ABC Gum Eyeshadow on the brow bone and layer over the edge of Chaos Eyeshadow to bring everything together.
6. Apply darkest shade in Brown Sugar Brow Box with an angled brush to define brows.
7. Apply Chaos 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil to lower lash line, and then smudge Freak Eyeshadow underneath the eyeliner to brighten.
8. Apply two coats of Supercurl Mascara to upper and lower lashes.
9. Apply Naked Skin Liquid Foundation (3.0 and 4.0) and buff into skin.
10. Apply Naked Flushed Bronzer to cheeks to add subtle warmth, and then lightly dust Naked Flushed Highlighter to cheek bones to highlight.
11. Apply Streak Revolution Lipstick to lips.

See more photos!

Urban Decay Electric Pressed Pigment Palette Look

Urban Decay Electric Pressed Pigment Palette Look

Urban Decay Electric Pressed Pigment Palette Look

Urban Decay Electric Pressed Pigment Palette Look

Urban Decay Electric Pressed Pigment Palette Look

Urban Decay Electric Pressed Pigment Palette Look

Urban Decay Electric Pressed Pigment Palette Look

COVERGIRL recently launched their Bombshell collection, which features new cream eyeshadows, mascara, and liquid eyeliner. They asked me to create a tutorial featuring some of the new products, so here’s what I came up with: a sultry, smoky eye that can be paired with a softer pink lip or a more intense, fuchsia-hued lip–depending on just how bold you want to go.

Beginning January 5th through January 25th, all COVERGIRL products will be buy one, get one 50% off at ULTA Beauty.  Plus, we’re giving away products from the COVERGIRL Bombshell collection with a $100 ULTA Beauty gift card!   COVERGIRL will be hosting a Twitter Party on January 6th at 9PM EST, so be sure to check that out!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Products You’ll Need

• COVERGIRL Bombshell Shine Shadow by LashBlast in Ice Queen, Ooh La Lilac, Platinum Card
• COVERGIRL Flamed Out Shadow Pot in Melted Caramel, Charcoal, Molten Black
• COVERGIRL Bombshell Intensity Liner in Pitch Black Passion
• COVERGIRL Bombshell Volume by LashBlast Mascara in Very Black
• COVERGIRL LipPerfection LipColor in Bombshell, Darling
• Flat, firm brushes for cream eyeshadow application
• Small crease brush
• Fluffy blending brush
• Small eyeliner brush

See more photos and get the how-to!

How-to:

1. With a flat, firm brush, apply COVERGIRL Bombshell Shine Shadow by LashBlast in Ice Queen over the inner third of the lid. Lightly pat and pull the color across the skin, and then with very light, feathery motions, move the edge of the brush horizontally against the harsh edge to soften.
2. Then, apply COVERGIRL Bombshell Shine Shadow by LashBlast in Ooh La Lilac to the middle and outer portions of the lid using another flat, firm brush. You’ll want to bring it just barely into the crease, and then soften that edge.
3. To add some depth, apply COVERGIRL Bombshell Shine Shadow by LashBlast in Platinum Card to the outer corner and the outer crease using a smaller, flat and firm brush. Lightly pat and feather the brush across the skin to soften and blend out any harsh lines.
4. Next, apply COVERGIRL Flamed Out Shadow Pot in Molten Black with a small, slightly tapered, crease brush to the outer corner and crease to provide additional darkness and depth to the look. Use short, small strokes and concentrate on blending out the color so it creates a gradient above and over the crease, towards the brow bone.
5. Using the same small crease brush, apply COVERGIRL Flamed Out Shadow Pot in Melted Caramel along the edge of the soft black crease color, as this color will help to transition and ease the gradient as it moves towards the brow bone. For fairer complexions, you may want to use something just slightly darker than your natural skin tone.
6. With a fluffy brush, apply your favorite highlight shade underneath the brow, along the brow bone, to accentuate and pull it forward.
7. For cheeks, a soft, natural brown works well to give a little definition and color to cheeks without being dramatic. I lightly patted COVERGIRL Flamed Out Shadow Pot in Melted Caramel with fingertips just underneath my cheek bones.
8. Now, for lips, you can choose your own adventure! Smoky eyes pair well with beiges, peaches, light pinks, or even bolder shades like fuchsia, berry, plum, and red. For a lighter lip color, I went with COVERGIRL LipPerfection LipColor in Darling. For the bolder lip color, I wore COVERGIRL LipPerfection LipColor in Bombshell.

With a bolder lip color

With a lighter lip color

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… 

Sam, 14, Georgia | Sam is 14-years old, lives near Atlanta, Georgia with her mom and two (of three!) older brothers. She was born and raised in Georgia, but her family originally hailed from Illinois. You will find her busy meeting new people and enjoying teen soap operas/dramas (like Vampire Diaries)–and of course, she’s madly in love with all things beauty. When she’s not playing around with makeup, you’ll find her with headphones on listening to everything; from classical to rap, pop to heavy metal, and almost everything in between (though she favors rock!).

Halloween Makeup: Leopard

Halloween Makeup Tutorial:  Leopard

I have a quick Halloween makeup tutorial for you, and I promise it’s easier than it sounds. This was my first time doing Halloween makeup! My cousin, Nicole, was crazy enough to let me experiment with my makeup on her, so she will be modeling for us today.

What You Will Need:

• Your Foundation/Skin Toned Eyeshadow
• Matte Light Brown Eyeshadow (Urban Decay’s Naked, from the Naked Palette)
• Matte Medium Brown Eyeshadow (Buck, also from the Naked Palette)
• Matte Light Taupe Eyeshadow (Velvet Revolver by Too Faced)
• Satin Grey/Brown Eyeshadow (NYX Charcoal Brown)
• Matte Black Eyeshadow (NYX Black)
• Black Eyeliner Pen (NYX Super Skinny Eye Marker)
• Creamy Brown Eyeliner Pencil (NYX Brown Slim Eye Pencil)
• Warm Light Brown Lip Liner (NYX Nutmeg Slim Lip Pencil)
• Beige/Brown Lipstick (NYX Tea Round Lipstick)

These are just the colors that worked for Nicole and her skin tone. You can use whatever works best for you!

Get the step-by-step guide & see more photos! 

Prior to her arrival, Nicole had already applied her concealer and foundation. I focused on the eyes first, but you can apply this in whatever sequence you like. I started off with an eyeshadow base, then applied Naked with a paddle brush. It’s just barely darker than Nicole’s skin tone, so again, use whatever works. After, I simply applied Velvet Revolver in the crease with an angled blending brush, winging the shape out slightly.

For the eyeliner, I first traced the shape with the black eyeshadow and an angled liner brush. At the end of her eye, I followed the curl of her lashes for the wing. In the inner corner, I followed the shape of her tear duct and contour of her nose. Take your time on this part, because the eyeliner makes all the difference! Just to make the lines look sharper, I then went over it with the eyeliner pen. Add a few coats of you’re favorite mascara and the eyes are finished!

For the spots, I mixed Buck and Naked together and applied generously. The larger spots were placed with the angled blending brush, and the smaller spots were placed with a dense smudging brush or pencil brush. On a leopard, the spots normally decrease in size as they reach the center of the face. And they don’t have to be shaped into perfect circles, so don’t worry if they aren’t exactly what you envisioned!

After you’re finished applying the base of the spots and it looks like you have broke out into a terrible rash, you’ll want to trace each spot with the eyeliner pen. Make shapes and Cs around the spots at random–just go with it! It turns out best that way. Once I was finished with the black eyeliner, I found that I wanted more definition. To do this, I used the brown eyeliner pencil and traced areas on both the inside and outside of the black circles.  Next, set it with the shimmery grey/brown eyeshadow. Now you have a leopard print on your face!

For the nose, I went straight across the top and followed the shape of Nicole’s nostrils with the black eyeshadow; have each side of your nose dip down and make a point in the cleft of your upper lip. After, fill in with the eyeliner pen for sharper edges and add some dots along your upper lip for the whisker roots. Lastly, line your lips to make the lip color last longer and apply a nude-ish/brown lipstick.

That completes the leopard look! I hope you enjoyed it and everyone has a safe and fun Halloween!

Halloween Makeup: Leopard

Halloween Makeup: Leopard

Halloween Makeup: Leopard

Makeup Tutorial: Dirty, Dirty, Smoky, Smoky Rich

Here’s a quick tutorial on how to achieve this Chanel look!

You will need the following…

• Eyes: NARS Smudgeproof Eyeshadow Base (neutral eyeshadow base), Chanel Enigma Eyeshadow Quad (rosy pink), Chanel Vert Khaki Eyeshadow (dark olive green), Chanel Enigma Eyeshadow Quad (dark burgundy-plum), MAC Grain Eyeshadow (highlighter), Chanel Cassis Eyeliner (plum), MAC Plushlash Mascara (black)
• Face: Make Up For Ever HD Foundation (140), Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder (translucent)
• Cheeks: Chanel Pink Explosion Blush (brightened pink)
• Lips: Chanel Chintz Rouge Coco Lipstick (peach with pink), Chanel Petite Peche Glossimer (peach)
• Brushes: 249 (flat, firm brush), 239 (fluffy shadow brush), 226 (fluffy crease brush), 219 (pointed crease brush), 116 (dense blush brush)

Tutorial: Tropical Paradise (Green, Teal, & Blue Eyes)

Here’s a tutorial for a look I did a couple of weeks ago! It’s a good mix of bright, summery colors — this combination of colors always reminds me of tropical paradise. The sun, the sea…

You will need the following…

• Eyes: Make Up For Ever #910 Star Powder (springy green base), Make Up For Ever #304 Eyeshadow (shimmery yellow-green), Make Up For Ever #93 Eyeshadow (matte aqua-green), Make Up For Ever #168 Eyeshadow (shimmery teal), Make Up For Ever #159 Eyeshadow (matte blue), MAC Nylon eyeshadow (yellow-gold highlighter), Make Up For Ever Aqua Black Waterproof Cream Eyeshadow (black), Make Up For Ever Aqua Smoky Lash Mascara (black)
• Cheeks: Make Up For Ever #5 Blush (matte coral-orange), Make Up For Ever #153 Blush (shimmery peachy-gold)
• Lips: MAC Overrich lipstick (pinky-coral), Make Up For Ever #403 Gloss (sheer orange-coral)
• Brushes: 266 (firm, angled brush), 226 (fluffy crease brush), 219 (pointed crease brush), 214 (smudge brush), 249 (flat, firm brush), 239 (fluffy shadow brush), 116 (dense blush brush), 165 (highlighting brush)

Directions: Define brows using a coordinating powder shadow applied with the 266 brush. Apply #910 Star Powder all over the lid as the base with the 249. On the inner lid, pack #304 eyeshadow on using the 239. Apply #93 eyeshadow to the middle portion of the lid. On the outer lid and crease, apply #168 eyeshadow with the 226. Darken crease with #159 eyeshadow using the 219, and then blend out with the 226. Sweep MAC Nylon eyeshadow underneath the brow bone to highlight with the 217. Apply 12L Aqua Eyes Liner on lower lash line. Smudge lower lash line with #304 eyeshadow with the 214 brush, pressing into lower lashes. Finish with Aqua Black Waterproof Cream Eyeshadow on on the upper lash line using the 208. Apply Aqua Smoky Lash mascara on lashes. Sweep apples of cheeks with #5 Blush using the 129, then highlight with #153 with the 165. Apply MAC Overrich lipstick to lips, and then top with #403 Gloss for color and shine.

Get step-by-step instructions…!

1. Begin with a clean/makeup-free eye area. Make sure any moisturizer you’ve applied has been fully absorbed, otherwise it might reduce the effectiveness of your eyeshadow base/primer.

2. Apply a neutral eyeshadow base like MAC Soft Ochre paint pot with a flat, firm bristled brush like the 249. You can also use products like Urban Decay Primer Potion or Too Faced Shadow Insurance.

3. You’ll want your eyeshadow base to cover your eye area from lash line to just before the brow bone.

4. With a flat, lightly fluffy domed brush, apply Make Up For Ever #910 Star Powder with water-based mixing medium all over the lower lid.

5. Pull the brush outwards so that the color covers the whole lid.

6. This is how the color should look once it has been deposited. You may need to go back and add more to get an opaque base without any sheer areas.

7. With an eyeshadow brush like the 239, apply Make Up For Ever #304 eyeshadow, which is a chartreuse shimmer shade, all over the lower lid.

8. This is how it should look. Layer additional eyeshadow over it to even out the color or intensify it as necessary/desired.

9. Using a fluffy eyeshadow brush like the 239, apply Make Up For Ever #93 eyeshadow, a bright apple green, to the middle of the lid, pulling downwards towards the lash line.

10. This is how it should look now.

11. With a fluffy eyeshadow brush like the 239, apply Make Up For Ever #168 eyeshadow, a shimmery teal, onto the outer third of the lid.

12. This is what it looks like now.

13. With a fluffy, tapered crease brush like the 226, apply Make Up For Ever #159 eyeshadow, a matte royal blue, into the outer half of the crease.

14. Pull the brush outwards, and then drag slightly downwards towards the outer corner.

15. This is what it looks like now. You can go back and intensify the boldness of your crease color if desired.

16. With a large fluffy brush like the 224, apply your choice in highlighter (I chose MAC Nylon eyeshadow, which is a soft gold shimmer) to your brow bone. Start on the inside and work your way outward.

17. This is what it looks like at this time!

18. With a stiff, defining brush like the 214, apply Make Up For Ever #304 eyeshadow, a shimmery chartreuse, to the lower lash line. Repeat but use Make Up For Ever #159 eyeshadow, a matte royal blue, on the outer third of the lower lash line.

19. Add a green-teal eyeliner like Make Up For Ever 12L to the lower lash line and black mascara to finish the eye look. Apply Make Up For Ever Aqua Black Cream Eyeshadow on the upper lash line with a stiff, angled brush like the 208. For blush, try matching with corals, like Make Up For Ever #5 Blush and Make Up For Ever #153 Blush. For lips, try a coral shade as well. I used MAC Overrich lipstick with Make Up For Ever #3 gloss (a sheer coral-orange).

Here’s the finished product!

Tutorial: Colorful Green Eyes

Here’s a tutorial for this look! This is actually a pretty simple and straight-forward look. You’re really only using four colors, including highlighter!

You will need the following…

• Eyes: MAC Soft Ochre paint pot (neutral base), Make Up For Ever #171 Eyeshadow (shimmery chartreuse), Make Up For Ever #91 Eyeshadow (matte bright medium green), Make Up For Ever #53 Eyeshadow (shimmery forest green), Make Up For Ever #101 Eyeshadow (sheer, yellow-gold shimmer), Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes 12L (deep teal-green), Make Up For Ever Aqua Smoky Lash Mascara (black)
• Cheeks: Make Up For Ever #5 Blush (matte coral-orange), Make Up For Ever #153 Blush (shimmery peachy-gold)
• Lips: YSL Peach Passion Rouge Volupte Lipstick (peachy-coral), MAC Liberated lipglass (pale gold-yellow)
• Brushes: 266 (firm, angled brush), 226 (fluffy crease brush), 219 (pointed crease brush), 214 (smudge brush), 249 (flat, firm brush), 239 (fluffy shadow brush), 116 (dense blush brush), 165 (highlighting brush)

Directions: Define brows using a coordinating powder shadow applied with the 266 brush. Apply MAC Soft Ochre paint pot all over the lid as the base with the 249. On the inner lid, pack #171 eyeshadow on using the 239. On the outer lid and crease, apply #91 eyeshadow with the 226. Increase intensity by packing on more of #75 eyeshadow with the 239. Darken crease with #53 eyeshadow using the 219, and then blend out with the 226. Sweep #101 eyeshadow underneath the brow bone to highlight with the 217. Smudge lower lash line with #171 eyeshadow with the 214 brush, pressing into lower lashes. Finish with 12L Aqua Eyes on on the lower lash line using the 208. Apply Aqua Smoky Lash mascara on lashes. Sweep apples of cheeks with #5 Blush using the 129, then highlight with #153 with the 165. Apply YSL Peach Passion Rouge Volupte lipstick to lips, and then top with MAC Liberated lipglass for color and shine.

Now, get the dish on how-to do this look!

1. Begin with a clean/makeup-free eye area. Make sure any moisturizer you’ve applied has been fully absorbed, otherwise it might reduce the effectiveness of your eyeshadow base/primer.

2. Apply a neutral eyeshadow base like MAC Soft Ochre paint pot with a flat, firm bristled brush like the 249. You can also use products like Urban Decay Primer Potion or Too Faced Shadow Insurance.

3. You’ll want your eyeshadow base to cover your eye area from lash line to brow bone.

4. With a fluffy crease brush like the 222, apply Make Up For Ever #91 eyeshadow, which is a bright candy apple green, to the outer half of the crease.

5. Swish the brush back and forth like a windshield wiper.

6. This is how the color should look like once it has been deposited and blended. You may need to go back and add more eyeshadow to get the level of intensity you desire.

7. With an eyeshadow brush like the 239, apply Make Up For Ever #171 eyeshadow, which is a chartreuse shimmer shade, all over the lower lid.

8. This is how it should look. Layer additional eyeshadow over it to even out the color or intensify it as necessary/desired.

9. Using a slightly angled fluffy brush like the 272, apply Make Up For Ever #171 eyeshadow to the inner tearduct and move the brush upwards.

10. This is how it should look now.

11. With a lightly pointed crease brush like the 226, apply Make Up For Ever #53 eyeshadow, a forest green, into the crease to darken. Make sure you’re not overlaying it over all of the candy apple green. You just want to get it on the upper half of that color layer.

12. Pull the brush outwards to blend out the color into the crease.

13. This is how it looks after you’ve added more depth to the crease.

14. With a large fluffy brush like the 275, apply your choice in highlighter (I chose Make Up For Ever #101, which is a soft gold shimmer) to your brow bone. Start on the inside and work your way outward. Add a green-teal eyeliner like Make Up For Ever 12L to the lower lash line and black mascara to finish the eye look. For blush, try matching with corals, like Make Up For Ever #5 Blush and Make Up For Ever #153 Blush. For lips, try a coral shade as well. I used YSL Peach Passion Lipstick and MAC Liberated lipglass.

Here’s the finished product…

Tutorial: How To Fill In Your Brows

This is a pretty straight forward tutorial, and it’s really a process that’s not at all complicated–promise! Most of us aren’t blessed with lusciously full, well-groomed brows, so in comes learning to how to make them that way.

What You Need: powder eyeshadow (that matches your brows–I’m using MAC Espresso); stiff, angled brush (e.g. MAC 266 brush)

See step-by-step instructions…

1. Start with a naked eye and un-groomed brows!

2. You can groom brows with a clean mascara wand before you start to get an idea of your shape. Since I do my brows nearly everyday, I tend to skip this step. I start filling the lower portion of my brows first. I press my 266 brush into Espresso eyeshadow, and then I follow the direction of my brow on the bottom.

3. I move back and forth, and then I move slightly upwards towards the middle area.

4. This is what you’ll see — a slight powdery line.

5. Now, I do the same thing, only I follow the top line of my brow.

6. I flatten out the brush and use short brushstrokes to blend out the eyeshadow and make it less obvious. Once you have the fuller portion set, you can lightly follow the tail of the brow if you desire.

This is the end result. You’re only going to see the powder if you’re standing about 1″ away from me–or in this case, seeing my eye several times larger than it actually is. If you’re ever unsure about whether your brows look unnatural, just look in the mirror. If it looks overdone at a foot away, you can probably take it down a notch. I usually use a mascara wand or a fluffy eyeshadow brush to help blend out the color more. You can also use clear brow gel to set more unruly brows, too, as a final step.