*Win* A Smashbox Instant Eyes: Liner & Shadow Palette

Hi Everyone!

I hope you're all enjoying fall so far! I'm so excited for Halloween tomorrow, but I don't know if I'll be in the mood to dress up. It's a lot of work! I created the above look to put me in that festive fall spirit, but not look like a clown -- literally.

I start off with (some really curly hair! find out in the video how I achieved that style!) Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 30, Fair to Light Tint. I love this moisturizer for two reasons 1. Aveeno is an amazing brand and perfect for sensitive skin like mine 2. the subtle tint gives me some extra coverage, perfect for a night out. After, I apply Revlon ColorStay Mineral Mousse Makeup with the warmth of my fingers. I love the light weight consistency and how soft my face feels after the foundation is applied. I set both products with Revlon PhotoReady Powder.

I then layer on some Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion, Original on my lid and underneath my eyes. Applying it underneath my eyes helps the concealer last longer. I use Sonia Kashuk Hidden Agenda Concealer Set underneath my eyes, along my nose to conceal redness, and around my mouth to even out my skin tone.

For my entire lids I use the Smashbox Instant Eyes: Liner & Shadow Palette *THAT YOU CAN WIN* by entering in the comments in the video above OR writing "enter me" in the comments below here on my blog. I go into pretty good detail within the video, so I won't make you hear that again - HOWEVER, there are THREE CREAM SHADOWS that slide out from the palette that I didn't use in the tutorial - so know that you would WIN FOUR SHADOWS and THREE CREAM SHADOWS.

Use a brown eyeliner to line my water line and use Maybelline The Falsies Volum'Express Mascara. On my cheeks I add NARS Powder Blush Cheek Color, Deep Throat, it's the absolute perfect shade for fall. For my lips I use Stila's Paint Your Pout Red - The Talking Palette. This palette comes with three shades, one conditioner, and a brush. I first apply the lip conditioner, then line my lips with the Cool Red, the deepest red, and then fill in. To make your lips more sharp use your concealer brush and add concealer around you lips. This will really make your mouth pout! To the center of my lips I add a touch of MAC's Bare Necessity - AND THAT'S IT! Simple enough, right?

Here are the products for you to view, use the links above if you want to check out prices/etc. I tried to get you the best prices for all the products through Amazon. If you'd like to buy the product or check out the product from the manufacturer, please do! There will probably be more specifications on their respective sites.


Products:







And that's it!
Remember to ENTER TO WIN!

Thanks for reading!
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Get Involved: The Beauty Movement

A few weeks ago I wrote a blog post dedicated to my buyer's remorse and tossing guilt. I have a decent variety of hair products, face products, and makeup that I don't plan on using anymore, but are barely used. I researched online for a place to donate these items, but I couldn't find an organization online for that would take personal items such as lightly used eyeshadow.

On Friday I was fortunate enough to stumble up The Beauty Movement on Twitter - it was a match made in heaven! As their website explains...

"The Beauty Movement provides beauty and personal hygiene products as well as education and resources to women nationwide whose current situation does not allow them to afford these little luxuries." 

Exactly what I was looking for!

There are a variety of things you can donate from your own beauty collection:

I was so excited when I read the full list because it included all of the items that I knew I needed to part with, but couldn't just throw out. The products go to Women's Organizations and groups and no two baskets are ever the same!

If you'd like to participate in The Beauty Movement you can:

• Make A Product Donation 
• Donate Packing or Shipping Supplies 
• All Donations Can Be Mailed to:

The Beauty Movement
1329 E Mission Grande Ave., Casa Grande, AZ 85122

• Volunteer To Sort and Pack Boxes
• Volunteer To Deliver Packages to Organizations or Women in Your Area
• Organize A Beauty Product Drive or Other Event
• Assist With Group Classes or Lessons
• Media Assistance-Help Spread the Word

To find out more information, please click here.

If you choose participate you definitely would not be alone...

TBM has partnered with:

• Urban Decay Cosmetics
• Beauty From The Eath
• Sigma Makeup
• Milani
• and so many more...

If you'd like to get involved right now consider the 

Beauty Product Drive!

"We are holding a Facebook Beauty Product Drive in an attempt to fill 1000 boxes by Christmas to donate to womens's shelters, support organizations, and individuals across the country whose current situations do not allow them to afford these little luxuries!

You can help by donating new or gently used products and by purchasing raffle tickets!
For a list of acceptable products and the address where you can send donations, please visit our website: www.thebeautymovement.com

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Beauty-Movement/141106979258597

*FOR EACH PRODUCT DONATED YOU WILL RECEIVE 1 TICKET IN OUR RAFFLE GIVEAWAY
*REFER YOUR FRIENDS TO "LIKE" US ON FACEBOOK AND RECEIVE A TICKET FOR EACH ONE THAT DOES.
*PURCHASE ADDITIONAL RAFFLE TICKETS FOR $5 EACH OR 5 FOR $20 {To Purchase Raffle Tickets, Email makeupbyc@yahoo.com with the number of tickets you'd like to purchase and the email address you'd like your paypal invoice sent to}
All entries will be logged in our database and winners will be chosen by random.org and notified on December 1st, 2010.
RAFFLE PRIZES: {Keep watching, the list will grow as the contest goes on!}
*~* 1 Complete Sigma Brush Set*~* www.sigmamakeup.com"

How fabulous is that? I highly recommend that you check out TBM. I'm sure you have items in your collection that are ready for a new home! And what better time than now, right at the beginning of the holiday season, to get started!

Thanks for reading!
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Want to watch me chat? Check out My YouTube Channel

My Everyday Look & Hair in Under 10 Minutes!

The look is simple and understated, the products are minimal, and the final look is perfect for the fall/winter months.

Whether it's school or work most of us have somewhere we have to be before 9:00 in the morning. And if you're anything like me you'd rather not waste those precious sleeping moments waking up twenty minutes early to put on a full face of makeup. Most of us have a signature look or an everyday routine that keeps us looking fresh and fabulous, but without killing the clock.

Since I am a makeup junkie (and darn proud of it! haha), I often switch up this signature look somewhat frequently. However, the products and final look that I outline below I've been sporting for over two weeks now; certainly a record for me in recent times! I made sure I gave you plenty of options to achieve this look! Lucky enough, most of my favorite products are under $15!

Face:
First, I put on Aveeno's Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer, SPF 30 and work that on my face. This is a tinted moisturizer and it's just enough coverage to make me feel comfortable and confident. The color is light and moisturizer is hydrating. I love the subtle shimmer effect. Don't worry, your face does not look like a glittery mess, I promise! 
Next I use large powder brush and sweep Revlon's PhotoReady Powder over my face. I love this light formula and easy application. After these two steps my face feels covered, but not heavy. Most days I skip the concealer, but for crazy dark circles or blemish days I use Sonia Kashuk's Hidden Agenda Concealer Set (this can also double as an eye primer).

Eyes:
For my eyes I begin with Urban Decay's Eyeshadow Primer Potion. Next I use the earth tones from the NYX's 10 Color Palette in Secret World. About a month or so ago when I first got this palette I put a tutorial up here. Check that out for my exact eyeshadow application.The colors are fabulous and concentrated!
 If I'm really under a time crunch, I will sweep the 2nd to lightest shade across my lid and then work the darkest color onto my out corner; from there just Blend, Blend, Blend! *Slight warning - these colors do have a bit of glitter in them, if you want to opt out of that try MAC's Leopard Luxe Eye Shadow Quad. It's a similar color palette. In my opinion though NYX offers more bang for your buck. To finish my eyes I add a black eyeliner to my water line (the one I reach for a lot is L'oreal's Pencil Perfect Eyeliner).  To finish my look I coat on my absolute FAVORITE MASCARA to date, Maybelline's The Falsies Volum'Express Mascara. And that's it for your peepers!

3. Cheeks
Lately, I've been reaching for Maybelline's Dream Matte Mousse Blush in Peach Satin or NARS' Powder Blush Cheek Color in Deep Throat. I love the mousse blush because it's light and gives just enough pigment, plus the super easy application is a definite plus. I only own the mousse in Peach Satin (I do need to try another color!), but I'm absolutely in love with this shade! I have been also reaching for NARS' shade in Deep Throat. It has the subtle quality that I really enjoy from NARS' Orgasm, but without the shimmery effect. It also is a bit richer in color, which I like for the fall and winter months. And the best thing about these two products? They really do last all day!

4. Lips
The combination I've been loving and that I shouted out & showed in my Fall Favorites & Disappointments Video is NYX's Pumpkin Pie Lipstick & Lip Gloss 129 in Beige. Absolutely gorgeous! I suggest heading over to your local cosmetics store or NYX.com to check out their glosses and lipsticks. I find that their glosses are not sticky and look beautiful over their super creamy and rich lipsticks. NYX is probably one of my favorite brands for lip products. if you're more of a MAC girl, I'd suggest checking out Myth; but that's a little more matte than NYX's Pumpkin Pie Lipstick. I love keeping my lips subtle, but put together for my everyday look.





Hair: Braids! Braids! Braids!

Braids take a messy mop on top of your head and transform it into a style you wouldn't be embarrassed to leave the house with.

For a super quick hairstyle in the morning I pick one of the three:
The Lauren Conrad Braid
The Double Lauren Conrad Braid
The Fishtail Braid

And that's it! That's all you need to achieve my Everyday Look!


Thanks for reading!
Want to tweet with me? Follow me @Makeup_Chic
Want to watch me chat? Check out My YouTube Channel

One Year Anniversary!

I cannot believe it's been a year since I began on YouTube and started to share my love of makeup, fashion, and beauty products with the freaking Internet!

Since October 21st 2009 I've uploaded 94 videos! And inasmuch as a few months from when I started my blog and twitter account this past summer, I've written (with the help of Emma!) 29 blog posts and sent out 437 tweets!

I'm amazed to say that I have almost 350 subscribers on YouTube and almost 750 followers on Twitter!

Would I do it again? Yes, definitely. It has been so much fun and I've gained so much knowledge in the past year. It most certainly started off slow and with only myself watching my videos (haha), but slowing it began to grow.

I spent from about the middle of June 2010 until Labor Day working on my blog, YT channel, and I signed up for twitter. In just a few weeks I had a lot of new friends on all forums. At the start of September I was hired for a position that I had long sought after, but with it came a lot of responsibilities.

I couldn't tweet as much, film as much, or write as much and I often felt like I was letting all of you down as well as myself.

As I land on this one year anniversary I definitely promise to change all that and please hold me to it!

Going forward you will be able to look forward to:

At least two blog posts here and two videos on YouTube a week as well as at least two tweets a day!

From the bottom of my heart, I appreciate all of your love and support!

Want to tweet with me? Follow me @Makeup_Chic
Want to watch me chat? Check out My YouTube Channel

xo!

Top Five Favorite Friday: Sephora Brand Items

Hi Everyone!

As beauty devotees have known for quite sometime Sephora is one of our very favorite places to be. Housed under one roof or on one online shop are hundreds of our favorite makeup and hair brands. However, some of us tend to forget that the biggest selection of makeup Sephora offers is by Sephora! Over the years I've tested out a multitude of Sephora brand items and here on my Top Five Favorites:

1. Flashy Liner
I originally tested Sephora's Flashy Liners when I purchased a set of them in mini form.  There are thirteen different colors to choose from and each is vibrant, concentrated, contain a bit of a metallic feel, as well as being very easy to put on. The pencil does not tug at your eyes at all. The color also stays all day, which to me is the most important (the fact that they are waterproof definitely does help I'm sure!). Each pencil is $8; totally within an average gal's budget! I definitely do recommend trying them out.





2. Makeup Palette To Go - Cool Tones

This palette by Sephora comes with eight shadows, a cheek color, and four lip glosses. I love love love this! It comes in one hide-and-seek palette and it's absolutely fantastic for travel! I actually keep it in my purse at all times because you never know when you're going to need a touch up. You can check out my video here where I describe how I use it's counterpart - Warm Tones! For $15 you cannot beat it!


3. Maniac Long Wearing Lipstick

This next Sephora brand item comes in ten different shades and for $12 it's absolutely perfect for everyday. Although I love shimmer, glitter, and gloss - it's nice sometimes to have a lip color that's a bit more subtle. This lipstick goes on very creamy and leaves a beautiful matte finish. I love that if you wanted to you could certainly add some sparkle, but that the lip color stands very well on it's own.







 4.  Perfecting Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 Oil-Free

This next item I first tried out last summer. It came as a free sample from an online purchase. The formula goes on light, but with enough coverage that would last you through an average day. I love that it has an SPF of 20 and that is oil-free. Although we think of tinted moisturizers as more summer related products, I really love them for the fall/winter months. I often layer a tinted moisturizer underneath my foundation to give my face extra hydration, especially for super cold dry days. Sephora gives you five different colors to chose from and at a price like $21 it's definitely worth checking out!




5. Vanity Brush Set

I purchased this brush set from Sephora last fall because I was very much in need of great travel set. For $48 I received six brushes: a Complexion (blush/powder) brush, a Concealer brush, a Pointed eye crease brush, a Flat eyeliner brush, a Eye blending brush, and a Smudge brush. The only difference between these brushes and the Sephora regular brushes is that the handle is smaller and easier to pack for travel. I think this is an amazing bang for your buck! Not only do you get six amazing brushes, but you get them for a great price! I don't only recommend this for the girl-on-the-go, but also the makeup guru to be; the gal who is just starting out. This is still one of my favorite sets, especially for travel!


So here you have it, my Top Five Favorite Sephora brand items! :)


Thanks for reading!
Want to tweet with me? Follow me @Makeup_Chic
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Mad Men Hairstyles!

1. Peggy

This season Peggy begins to rock some serious volume with her 60's style. To begin, make sure you use a quality volumizing shampoo and conditioner, like for example Matrix Amplify's Volumizing Shampoo and Conditioner Duo. Next blow dry your hair upside down and use a large (2in or more) round brush and split hair up sections. If you want to feel extra mod, try using the the The Marilyn Tuxedo Pro Round Brushes 2-1/2". This large brush will help to create the flip to the ends of the hair as well as create some volume at the crown of your head. If your hair is a bit fine naturally, make sure you set this look with some hairspray. And let's be honest, it's not really a vintage style without some Aqua Net Extra Super Hold Hairspray!


2. Joan

This style is the easiest to translate from mod to modern without straying too far from the original concept. With wet hair use a volumizing mousse, like Big Sexy Hair Humidity Resistant Volumizing Spray Mousse and then set your hair with XL rollers. You can find a set like Conair's Extreme Heat Jumbo and Super Jumbo-Sized Rollers for under $30! You want to keep them in for about 25 minutes. Once you take them out tease your crown a bit with a small comb, then twist it back into an understated updo. Your curls will help this process and keep your hair looking full. Use some bobby pins to hold this look in place. I recommend having fun with the bobby pins and use colored or accented ones (try Multi-Color String of Flowers Bobby Pins for example). Add a bit of Rusk Wired Flexible Styling Creme  to help your bangs stay swept to the side and you're good to go!

3. Betty

Betty style consists of controlled curls. You can go with a 1 or 1/2 inch curling iron like Conair Satin Finish 1-Inch Ceramic Curling Iron or a set of a set of hot rollers in a variety of sizes like Helen of Troy- Hot Tools Hot Roller Hairsetter- 20 Hair Rollers in 3 Sizes. I'd stick with the small and medium sizes. First, spray your whole head with a curl activator spray like TRESemme's. Next use the curlers to curl your hair to right below your ears. After about 20 minutes release the curls and pin them under. Make sure to pay attention to and play with the hair framing your face to maintain that soft polished wave. Set your look with Sexy Hair Concepts Big Sexy Hair Big Shine Spray and you've mastered Betty's subtle, but sultry retro 'do!

And there you have it -- go from 2010 to 1962 in less than 30 minutes!

Thanks for reading!
Want to tweet with me? Follow me @Makeup_Chic
Want to watch me chat? Check out My YouTube Channel

Top Five Favorite Friday: Skin Care!

Hi Everyone!

I'm excited to announce a collaboration that I'm participating in with a fellow beauty blogger, Emma, of http://www.stylebyemma.com/.  Check out her blog if you'd like to be treated to her thoughts on style, makeup, and a bit on life as well. You can also follow her on twitter at @EmmaSaidWhat

Treat yourself well, follow your intuition, and live beautifully!!!  

One of the best elements of this partnership is sharing one of my favorite bloggers with YOU, my lovely readers! We thought it would be fun to embark on a Top Five Favorite series! Last week I wrote about on my TOP FIVE FAVORITE Fall Must-Haves-- Splurge vs. Steal style and this week it's Emma's turn! Be sure to check back each Friday to read our weekly picks on everything from lipstick to shoes and everything in between.   

Emma’s Top Five Favorite: SKIN CARE

Welcome to installment two of Top Five Favorite Friday– this week I’m sharing my favorite skin goodies.  It’s extremely important to take good care of your skin, as it serves as an essential protective barrier to the elements (and is the largest organ we have)!  Each person’s skin is different, and a routine should be planned based on lots of factors that vary such as age, environment, and individual health.  The products below are basic staples– a cleanser, a tool, an exfoliator, a moisturizer, and a spot treatment.  I nearly included my favorite toner (Kate Somerville Clarifying) and a serum (Dr. Brandt Collagen Booster, Lancome Genefique) but left those lovelies off the list as they are not essential for all ages.

Where’s the SPF?! I currently use Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock SPF 55.  I do like this product for my face, but I’m not head over heels in love.  (Someday I hope to find that perfect fit SPF!)   I encourage you to use the SPF of your choice after moisturizing, and let it absorb for a solid 15 minutes before you apply your makeup.  USE SPF!  Healthy skin should be the first and most crucial step in any makeup routine.

An additional note: To me, skin care is an investment in my health.  After years of trial and error, I’ve found that many of the best products for my skin come with a higher price tag.  There are bargain goodies to be had, but sometimes a higher price does yield an exceptional result.  I encourage you to look at the health of your skin in a preventative sense and consider that excellent care early on will save you money as you age (and look absolutely fabulous doing so!).
On to the list…

Top Five Favorite Skin Care Products!


1.  Philosophy Purity Made Simple Cleanser. 

I’ve gone through more bottles of this than I can recall!  This cleanser removes dirt and oil without stripping moisture from the skin.  In a pinch, it quickly removes makeup as well (although I do use a separate eye makeup remover).  The scent is light and natural, a bit on the herbal side.  Philosophy Purity will work for ALL skin types– dry, oily, acne-prone, sensitive, and mature.  I’m hooked for life.

                                                 Availability:  Sephora, Philosophy.com, QVC. Tip:  Opt for the everlasting 32 oz. bottle with pump for around $45 for the best price per ounce.

2.  Clarisonic Mia. 

In conjunction with Purity cleanser, I use the Clarisonic Mia (I have it in pink!) 3-4 times per week.  Although this exfoliating brush isgentle enough for daily use, I opt for less action as I also indulge in a weekly scrub.  The Clarisonic has improved the texture of my skin, and gets rid of dry flakes that can clog pores.  I highly recommend investing in a Clarisonic, and specifically, the Mia.  The brush head on the Mia is the same size as its larger counterparts (Clarisonic, Clarisonic Pro) and Mia is compact for travel.  A whole new level of “clean” skin!
For reference, I have the brush head for sensitive skin.
Availability:  Sephora, Clarisonic.com.

                                                        3.  Kate Somerville ExfoliKate.

   The best scrub on the market, hands down.  I’ve blogged about this exfoliating fruit enzyme enriched scrub before.  I stand by it 100%.  Many scrubs are harsh and ineffective, stripping the outer layer of the skin and ultimately causing breakouts.  Others are too gentle, and fail to truly exfoliate.  ExfoliKate gets rid of blackheads and dead skin exceptionally well– leaving you with glowing, fresh, healthy skin.  A facial in a tube!  This green gooey goodness is pricey, but worth every penny.  Availability:  Sephora, KateSomerville.com


4.  Bare Escentuals bareVitamins Skin Rev-er Upper

This moisturizer and primer in one has been my go-to choice for the past three years.  There is a small amount of salicylic acid in the mix to encourage skin cell turnover, as well as vitamins (surprise!) and botanicals.  The texture is light, which allows it to sink into the skin very quickly– perfect for rushed mornings.  This also works very well under makeup– of the mineral variety, MAC MSF Natural, liquid foundation, even as a boost under tinted moisturizer.
Availability:  Sephora, Ulta, Bare Escentuals boutiques

                                                      

5.  Kate Somerville EradiKate

This is my top overnight spot treatment.  Every woman needs a bottle of this sulfur based potion in her medicine cabinet!  EradiKate can make a noticeable difference in a spot overnight, and dries up blackheads and clogged pores faster than anything else I’ve tried.  Sulfur is one of the best anti-acne topical treatments on the market.  If benzoyl peroxide is overly drying for you, give sulfur a shot.  Even if you have near perfect skin, stash one of these away… just in case…!
Availability:  Sephora, KateSomerville.com



What are your favorite skin care goodies?  Let me know if you are a fellow fan of anything I mentioned.
Wishing you healthy skin…
XO
E

Stay tuned for next week's TFF!

Thanks for reading!
Want to tweet with me? Follow me @Makeup_Chic

Want to watch me chat? Check out My YouTube Channel