Wednesday, February 12, 2014

FOTD | Coral Pop Winter Lips: 3 Ways


I've been getting a springy, summery boost lately from a color near and dear to my heart that's typically absent during the frigid winter months: CORAL!  I thought I'd share the three ways I rock a coral lip when the weather outside is frightful!
For my coral pop winter face, I start with a tinted moisturizer (NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer in Alaska) to even out my skin and add some much-needed hydration.  I then conceal any spots with MAC Select Cover-Up in NW25 and brighten my under eye area with NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Vanilla.  I apply a layer of eyeshadow primer (NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base) and then set my face by pressing YSL Radiance-Enhancing Pressed Powder all over.  Pressing the powder on versus dusting it on with a brush really amps up the longevity of my makeup and keeps anything I conceal tightly under wraps.
No Makeup / Tinted Moisturizer, Concealer, Powder
Next, I bronze (Too Faced Chocolate Soliel), because a hint of sun is a necessity on my pale winter face.  I then apply a neutral pink cream blush (NARS Penny Lane) with my fingers to the cheekbones and follow it with a dusting of coral powder blush (Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Tipsy), focusing the pop of color mostly on the apples of my cheeks.  The cream base gives the powder something to adhere to, and setting a cream blush with a powder keeps it locked and loaded for all day wear.  It's a truly harmonious relationship!  My skin has been dry enough lately that I've been able to rock some highlighters!  For an oily person, this is very exciting!  I've been finishing my face makeup by tapping a bit of cream highlighter (MAC Shell Cream Color Base) onto the tops of my cheekbones and above my brow bone.
For eyes, I sweep a neutral matte cream powder shadow over my lid from lashes to brows to brighten.  I'm using Too Faced Cream Colored Ponies, but this is a shade everyone should have in their collection (LORAC Cream from the PRO Palette, Urban Decay Virgin from the Naked Palette or Venus from Naked Basics, and so on).  I then work a little medium matte brown into the crease (I'm using Too Faced Chocolate Milk, but Urban Decay Buck, Naked, Naked 2, Faint, or LORAC Taupe also work great!) and define my eyes with a shimmery brown eyeliner (Clinique Cream Shaper in Chocolate Lustre).  I curl my lashes and add 2 coats of my current favorite black mascara L'Oreal Lash Out Butterfly in Blackest Black.  I lightly fill in my brows with Maybelline Master Shape by Eye Studio in Soft Brown and use the attached spoolie to comb the product through and soften any harsh lines.
On to the lips!!

A whisper...
For a subtle whisper of coral, I like Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Lover's Coral.  It's a Shine formula, so it's a sheer color with plenty of sheen.  You can layer it on without a mirror so reapplication on the go is a snap!  NARS Sheer Lipstick in Love Devotion is another great sheer juicy orangey coral.

A song...
For a moderate pop of coral, you can't go wrong with Maybelline Color Elixir in Breathtaking Apricot.  It's a super glossy, gel-like (non-sticky) balm/gloss hybrid that can be worn as quietly or boldly as you wish depending on how much you layer on.  I'm wearing 2 coats in the picture above.

A shout!
For a full-on coral pow, let me introduce you to my little friend: Revlon Matte Balm in Unapologetic!  This little crayon packs a punch and the matte formula is very comfortable to wear and VERY long-lasting, around 5 hours including eating and drinking before I touched it up.  It always looks hot pink in photos, but it's more coral pink in person!
To amp it up even more, I applied a layer of Maybelline Breathtaking Apricot Color Elixir over the Revlon Unapologetic Matte Balm.  Pow!

So, how have you been keeping the winter drearies at bay?  What's your favorite coral lipstick or gloss?  

Review Round-Up from this post:
CAUTION: Wearing Revlon Matte Balm in Unapologetic may result
in the refusal to apologize for duck face selfies!  You've been warned.

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

TAG! | The TMI Tag

My bud Sarah of tatt2sandwarpaint tagged me! Yes, I am in. Here goes!

1. What are you wearing? Yoga pants (STANDARD!), neon yellow socks, a chunky fuzzy sweater.
2. Even been in love? Absolutely!
3. Ever had a terrible breakup? Oh yeah!
4. How tall are you? 5'7"
5. How much do you weigh? Oh no, no. Cannot disclose!
6. Any tattoos? No.
7. Any piercings? Just the ears.
8. OTP? Ha! In Atlanta, this actually means "Outside the Perimeter" AKA I-285. I am ITP!
9. Favourite show? The Walking Dead, Breaking Bad (I'm not over it being over yet), Modern Family.
10. Favourite bands? I love oldies, so all the classic "bands" like the Temptations, Diana Ross and the Supremes, The Zombies, The Dave Clark 5, and - obvs - The Beatles.
11. Something that you miss. Going to live concerts. I used to go all the time!
12. Favourite song. There are many, but my current fave is Pompeii by Bastille. So catchy and 80's-esque!
 
13. How old are you? 33¾!
14. Zodiac sign. Gem. Truly outrageous! ;)
15. Quality you look for in a partner. Humor!
16. Favourite quote. "I prefer the wooly balls!"-Timm Gunn (that literally just came to mind immediately)
17. Favourite actor. Denzel Washington. If he's in a movie, it's going to be good!  Oh and I love Jennifer Lawrence.
18. Favourite colour. I love them all!
19. Loud music or soft? Turn it UP!!!
20. Where do you go when you’re sad? I'm not usually sad, but when I am, I either go to my mom, Jason, or our spare bedroom!
21. How long does it take you to shower? About 10 minutes, usually.
22. How long does it take you to get ready in the morning? 20 minutes.
23. Ever been in a physical fight? No.
24. Turn on. Kindness.
25. Turn off. Meanness.
26. Reason you joined YouTube. To subscribe to others' vids even though I rarely log in!
27. Fears. Losing people I love, torture, clowns.
28. Last thing that made you cry. PMS!
29. Last time you said “I love you”. Ten minutes ago.
30. Reason behind your YouTube name. Same as my blog name.
31. Last book you read. 'Salem's Lot by Stephen King.
32. Book you’re currently reading? My mom bought me The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt so it's next up! Since it's going to Icepocalypse (President Obama has already declared a state of emergency for Georgia...never a good sign), I should be able to get started!
33. Last show you watched. Women's Slopestyle and Men's Half Pipe (Sochi Olympics).
34. Last person you talked to. Jason.
35. Relationship with person you last texted? He's my betrothed. LOL!
36. Favourite food. Cheese!!!
37. Place you want to visit. France, the American west (Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, baby!), Europe, and everywheres.
38. Last place you were. Werk, honey!
39. Do you have a crush? Jason!
40. Last time you kissed someone. Earlier today.
41. Last time you were insulted. Monday.
42. Favourite flavour or sweet? I love anything tangy. I have a serious soft spot for Claussen Kosher Dill halves! I finished a jar in 3 days and I'm not even ashamed.

43. Do you play any instruments? Not now, but I played the string bass and the violin in 6th and 7th grade!
44. Favourite piece of jewelry? My engagement ring, my turquoise turtle necklace, and my super fun blue earrings from Target.
45. Last sport you played? Golf. Well, just club swinging at the range.
46. Last song you sang? I Love It by Icona Pop. It's been stuck in my head today! "I got this feeling on the summer day when you were gone..."
47. Favourite chat-up/pickup line? No!
48. Ever used it? Oy!
49. Last time you hung out with anyone? Today.
50. Who should answer these questions next? Everybody! And since I never actually tag someone, I'm changing it up! I'm tagging marvelous Melissa of Kiss & Make-up since I know she loves a good survey. :D

Friday, February 7, 2014

Fave Four Friday | February 7, 2014

1. Favorite makeup item this week? Guerlain Parure Extreme Foundation in Shade 02.  It was discontinued awhile ago so I don't use it often because there's not much left.  I wore it once this week and it's just the BOMB!  Airbrushed skin without the weight.  I think it's my favorite foundation ever!

2. Favorite movie or TV show watched this week?  Oh this is horrible, but honestly?  The Bachelor.  It was just cringe-worthy amazingness.  He did Clare wrong, yo.  My summary: "Clare, you're a complete floozie and I regret our rendezvous in the ocean at 4 a.m. even though I fully participated with zeal.  Look at me.  Look at me.  Look at me.  Stop crying.  Look at me.  I just said you were easy and disrespected my daughter, but let's move forward.  Look at me.  I am okay.  Stop crying.  Forget about it!  Let's go spend time with the other ladies and act like this never happened.  Great!  I feel great!"  Oy vay.
Image credit Entertainment Weekly
3. Favorite word of the week?  Cacophony!  What a great word that is.

4. Favorite winter Olympic event?  I LOVE the Olympics, so I'm excited for the Sochi games to begin!  I really enjoy the freestyle skiing, ski jumping, and the crazy stuff like bobsledding and the luge because it's like...???  How does anyone decide to luge for the first time?!

Happy Friday!!

Now it's your turn!  
1. Favorite makeup item this week?
2. Favorite movie or TV show watched this week?
3. Favorite word of the week?
4. Favorite winter Olympic event? 

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

WLW: 2.5.14

WLW - 2/5/14
1. Bath & Body Works 3-Wick Candle in Caribbean Escape: Because YUM.
2. Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Powder: Because it made the short list of 2013 Products I wish I'd bought!
3. Herbal Essences Naked Dry Shampoo: Because I'm curious if it tops my #1 choice Not Your Mother's Dry Shampoo.  I go through a LOT of dry shampoo and I've had a real love affair with another Herbal Essences product, Honey I'm Strong Shampoo.  Hope to find this in-store soon!

What's on your wish list this Wednesday?

Sunday, February 2, 2014

FAVORITES! | January 2014 ❤

 
This month, I've taken a decidedly simpler approach to makeup by sticking with a tinted moisturizer, clear lip balm, and a hint of medium brown eyeshadow worn in the crease for a bit of definition.  It has been FRIGID here lately, including a massive (3"! ;) snow "storm", so I've been focusing more on keeping my dry, chapped skin and lips happy.
1. One Love Organics Rose Aromatic Body Serum: This has been a life-saver!  No matter how much body buttering I did, my skin was dry, red, and ANGRY.  I saw a tip over at The Beauty Department about applying a small amount of oil to your body pre-shower to prep your skin and keep it from drying out.  I am forever grateful for this tidbit of info because it WORKS!  I apply 6-7 sprays of the Rose Aromatic Body Serum (which contains both sea buckthorn oil and pumpkin seed oil along with a smorgasbord of other natural, skin-healthy ingredients) to my palms and rub them together to warm the serum.  I quickly rub the oil on my body, concentrating on the extra dry spots, and then I hop in the shower and wash up as usual.  Before discovering this magic, I'd been massaging Aquaphor into the skin around my arm pits (I know - hot!) because it was so dry, it felt like paper and it would sting and hurt.  I haven't had to do this since discovering this awesome tip and putting the lovely Rose Aromatic Body Serum to work!  If Rose isn't your favorite scent, it's also available in Lavender, Neroli, and Chamomile.
2. L'Oreal Paris Color Vibrancy Instant Shock Treatment: Now you guys know I am extremely loyal to my favorite conditioner of all-time, Aussie 3 Minute Miracle, of which I've lost count of how many bottles I've finished in my life.  However, this product just intrigued me.  I recently dyed my hair back to it's natural cool dark brown color after my highlights grew out, and I wanted something that would really baby my color-treated locks.  This product is AWESOME.  I apply it to my ends after shampooing and pin it up so it absorbs into my hair during the rest of my shower.  While the product does indeed work in 60 seconds, I like to leave it in longer because that's how I've always rocked 3 Minute Miracle.  When I rinse out my hair at the end of my shower, it feels divine.  Once my hair is completely dry, it's crazy soft!  Like WEN soft, without any hint of being weighed-down, and my hair is extremely shiny.  I have fine hair that tends to get oily very quickly, but this fantastic conditioning treatment never makes it look greasy or feel like it's caked with product.
3. Nivea Extended Moisture Hand Cream: Ooh!  This hand cream has kicked major tail feathers this winter!  It absorbs very quickly but treats dryness like nobody's business.  I apply a dime-sized dollup and massage it into my hands before bed and the next morning, my hands are soft and moisturized.  I have had zero issues with dry hands this winter and it's completely because of this wonderful hand cream.  I picked this up at my local CVS Drugstore for about $3.50 USD and it's lasted me 2 months with nightly use.  A complete bargain!
4. NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer in Alaska: I've raved about this one before {full review here}, but lately it's become an integral part of my daily routine.  The moisture aspect of this product is outstanding, and it offers medium coverage that feels like you're not wearing any makeup.  Y'all know I am a medium to full coverage foundation lover, but this TM has become my go-to.  It's so nice to simplify my base routine by using 1 product rather than 3 (moisturizer, foundation, and sunscreen) and the moisture isn't so heavy that it's unsuitable for my combination skin.  Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer has proved itself to be a key part of my winter and summer routines, and it's something I highly recommend.
5. Aquaphor Healing Ointment: Me and Aquaphor go way back.  For years, it was all I wore on my lips.  After a fender bender in August of 2011, I spread a generous amount of it over the seatbelt bite on my collar bone and it was healed in 3 days.  Whenever my lips go haywire and no amount of fancy/natural products are getting the job done, I always revert back to my tried n' true buddy Aquaphor.  I love to apply it at night after exfoliating my lips with a scrub or damp washcloth.  It seems to really melt away the rough, dry skin and return my lips to the land of smoothness.  Aside from it's pucker prowess, it also protects and heals uber dry, agitated skin, and, as previously mentioned, helps heal cut or abraded skin.  A true jack of all trades!
6. Urban Decay Naked Palette: I know everyone's head over heels for the latest addition to the Naked family, Naked 3, but for me, Naked 1 is the palette I'd be packing in my desert island makeup bag.  Lately it's been eye-stingingly cold and my usual 4 or 5 step look seems like a lost cause when I know my eyes are going to tear up and run as soon as I step out the door.  My go-to look has been mixing Naked and Buck (Buck Naked eyes!) and applying the shadows to my crease with a fluffy blending brush in the classic "windshield wiper" motion.  It adds subtle definition to the eye area and goes with any cheek or lip color I feel like wearing that day.
Buck Naked FTW!
Wearing "Buck Naked" in my crease, NARS Pure Radiant TM, and
Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balm in Unapologetic
7. Sonia Kashuk Pointed Blending Brush #109: This brush is my JAM!  I've employed it to smoke out shadows, blend shades effortlessly into the crease, highlight my brown bone, and blend concealer.  One of my absolute favorite things to use this brush for is applying highlighter to my cheekbones.  I lightly swirl it over the pan of highlighter (lately I've been into MAC Soft & Gentle Mineralized Skinfinish) and then sweep it onto the tops of my cheekbones.  The brush diffuses the luminizer and gives it a very natural effect.  Right now this brush retails for $3.99 USD at Target!
So, how's your Sunday going?  Here in the States, today is Super Bowl Sunday and everyone's getting pumped for the big game.  While hockey is my pro sport of choice, I'll still watch the Super Bowl for the clever commercials and the halftime show (shoutout to Bruno Mars!).  Are you pulling for the Broncos or the Seahawks?  I'm pulling for the breakfast quiche I just made, whilst watching Alaska The Last Frontier!
Recipe via Mommy's Kitchen.  I added chopped spinach, green peppers, and onion.  Noms!
CNY fabulousness plus a guinea pig named Blondie? You rule, @musicalhouses!
I've really been enjoying all of the Chinese New Year/Lunar New Year posts lately, especially the video Lily (ChloeAsh) posted on Instagram of the lion dance!  I love those lions.  I've also been loving the bold red and gold CNY colors.  Beautiful!  Happy Lunar New Year!  Horse Power 2014! ;)