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!
Want to tweet with me? Follow me @Makeup_Chic
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

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

Buyer's Remorse & Tossing Guilt

Just in the last two weeks I've changed jobs, decided to go on a diet, get a tattoo, and contemplated what my hair would look like with that Michelle William's Pixi bob (don't worry I'm not going for the bob - but I did get the tattoo). Needless to say that during this mini existential crisis, I have neglected to film, tweet, and write as much as I normally would.

Therefore without further adieu...

Sunday's installment of MakeUp_Chic-Chat... Buyer's Remorse and Tossing Guilt! 

I'm an absolute sucker for pretty packaging, magical cures/fixes, and fancy brands at a discount. BeautyTicket.com is absolutely horrible for me! All these designer brands of cosmetics at a 70% discount and I wind up buying purple lipstick just because it's YSL. Horrible. Horrible. Horrible. (But oh, sooo fabulous at the same time!).

My name is Ariel and I'm addicted to the high of the buy. Amen.

I whipped through a Harmon's Beauty Cosmetic's Depot in 10 minutes last week, right before closing, to stock up on NYX. Because, besides online and in Ulta (a not very NY friendly store) I can only find NYX at Harmon. I managed to throw down almost $100 bucks for some NYX must-have's and a few OPI nail polishes. 

I'm also the same way with my hair. My hair is long, straight, and boring. I know some girls try to achieve my exact hair type every morning at 6am before work or school and that I'm taking it for granted. I know. I know. But I want some body, some lift, some life, some curls! Therefore, I'm always interested in hair products that do just that.

So what am I left with? Half used bottles of shampoo, barely touched makeup, and more Victoria's Secret lip glosses than one girl should have. I know I should throw them away, but I feel bad. Not really about the money,  half the time it's some bottle of I-NEED-TO-HAVE-THIS-RIGHT-NOW shampoo that fell off the shelf at CVS for $2.99. No, it's not really about the money as it is about the waste of the product.

I know you can use the shampoo to sink wash your favorite top - but why not just use detergent? Or wash the dog - but what if you don't find out that your dog's skin is allergic to the product until you're sitting in the emergency vet's office at 2am?

I began researching where I can donate this stuff, but let's be honest, why would someone want my half used bottle of  Fruitopia Total Volume Shampoo? I think that would kind of be a little insulting and rude - "Hey, use this half full bottle of awful shampoo that will leave your hair feeling like an oil slick!" I'd rather donate a full NEW bottle of It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product. I also began googling what other uses my old products might be good for. I found this little note particularly amusing while searching the web:


If a container it has a ball on top, your pet can play with the ball.
Or, thread several of such balls like unusual beads, turn into earrings.
You can decorate those balls, or use them to start wrapping yarn around them.
Throw several of those balls into washing machine to improve the outcome of laundering.
Play ping pong with them!
Cut them in half and attach to your head to simulate bumps (for Halloween).
Cut out some space for the nose, paint red and be a clown.
Cut the top of the ball off and plant a seed.
Turn into Christmas ornament.
Use to mend small socks.
Roll on your body for a good massage.
Use to make round imprints in a wet concrete.

Oh yeah, lady? I'm gonna get right on that.

Or possibly this use:

When I’ve moved, I’ve put bath products in a basket and left them on the counter at my gym with “free” written on a tag. They go like hotcakes.

Thanks Marie, from Chicago, that doesn't sound at all creepy.

And for the most part, shelters/organizations/charities won't take used products for health reasons and rightfully so. However, I'd be less worried about donating something with my "gross germs" and more about donating something that I know someone is going to walk away with shit looking hair and purple lipstick on.

I've seen some girls on YouTube sell off their old makeup (only used once or twice) on their blogs, but still that's a little gross. Why would I want to buy something that you used ....and you hated? Especially since some of these gals aren't giving you a deal at 5% off.

So all in all I'm most likely going to have to pawn some of this stuff off to friends and family. Or keep this junk around a few months longer and wrap the barely used eyeshadow palettes that are f'ugly and give them to a girl or two in my office I don't like for the holidays -- ha, just kidding (maybe)!

Anyway, that was my little diatribe on buyer's remorse and tossing guilt.

Anyone feel similar? Anyone?

Remember that TODAY is the last day to enter My Pixi Contest to *WIN* a Natural Mineral Kit:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTX8Ve...

Tweet? Tweet? http://www.twitter.com/makeup_chic

Want to watch me chat? Check out: http://www.youtube.com/leira821

xo!
A

The Great Debate: Facial Mask or Peel?

Usually while Brad and Rachel "go bananas" over an Armani Prive dress or "The Situation" is "creepin" at B.E.D,  I'm treating my face to some TLC.

For you non-reality T.V. junkies out there let me translate for you: about twice a week I treat my face to a mud mask or facial peel.

In recent months I've been using Queen Helene's Peel Off Mask with Grape Seed Extract for under $4.00 or Deep Down Detox Ultra Cleansing Mud Mask for $5.99 to add something extra to my skin care routine. I completely believe that you don't have to spend a fortune in order to have your skin looking vibrant and clean. I usually finish this face lovin' off with Olay Complete All Day UV Defense Moisture Lotion, Sensitive Skin, with a SPF of 15.

In the summer I use these masks to eliminate extra oils and grease and in the fall it's to add a little necessary hydration. However, I use them both to do something that each promise to accomplish: rid my skin of acne causing bacteria, unclog my pores, soothe and tone my skin all the while leaving my face feeling radiant, soft, and rejuvenated.

To you non-makeup crazies out there, you may not understand my plight. You may be reading and thinking that I'm using two different products to do the same thing, why do you need both? Do they make your skin feel different? Does one make your face feel better? The answer is no.

After I wash off the Mud Mask my skin feels soft and clean, strangely clean. After I peel off the Queen Helene Mask my skin feels soft and clean, strangely clean.

Hm, I'm seeing something similar happening...

Now I'm not a dermatologist, I'm just a girl trying to avoid breakouts, tired eyes, and dry skin. So as Ronnie put his face "between a cocktail waitress' breasts," I started thinking about the two different processes that gave me the same results.

Although I love peeling off the mask (as if I'm actually peeling and lifting out bacteria from my pores), it's a pain in the ass! Inevitably you're going to need a mirror, you can't really peel while watching Zoe go "literally" crazy about Milan Fashion week. And more likely than not the next morning I usually find a piece or two left on my face. Furthermore the picking at the pieces seem to irritate my skin just a bit. While I don't totally enjoy slathering the Mud Mask onto my face, the clean up process is quite simple; splash of water here, splash of water there ...all done! For the same results, I think the Mud Mask is the way to go.

What do you think? Am I missing something? For under $10 dollars conduct your own experiment & tell me how it works out!

Remember that My Pixi Contest to *WIN* a Natural Mineral Kit is going on now until 9/20 find out how to enter:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTX8Ve...

Tweet? Tweet? http://www.twitter.com/makeup_chic

Want to watch me chat? Check out: http://www.youtube.com/leira821

Urban Decay, NYX, & OPI Haul!

So I hoped some of you are here reading this after I fooled you during this my YouTube video!

Sorry about that...but c'mon reading my opinions is much less annoying that listening to them, right? haha.

And if you did stumble upon this blog not from the haul video, thank you for stopping by!

*Excuse my stove in the pictures, it was just the best surface to take the pic!*

I absolutely love HauteLook.com because once in a while they have a fabulous sale on a great makeup brand. Most recently it was Urban Decay. Due to this amazing sale I was able to pick up many more things than I would ever be able to if I attempted to buy retail.  If you'd like to see me ramble about the products below, check out my video!

Urban Decay

Sting is a deep cranberry color with subtle flecks of shimmer, definitely good for an outer corner color. Adore is a very pigmented navy blue color, hawt for a smokey eye. Heat is comparable to NYX's rust and a great stable color. The two smudge pencils are true to the color above and I'm interested to see how they work on my lids. As for the loose powders, Smog is a very glittery deep gold color while Goddess is an extremely dark purple-ish black. I smudged them both out on my hand and think they may actually look beautiful on my lids. If it works out, I'll definitely do a tutorial. The powder blush in Score reminds me very much of NARS' Orgasm, so I'll have to let you know if it really does compare.

NYX &OPI

 I love NYX Lipsticks because they are rich, creamy and long lasting. India is a very pretty pinky pink, while Peachy is much more subtle. I'm very excited to add them to my collection. The shadow is the absolute perfect highlight and inner corner color, I'm sure you'll see it in my videos. The four pencils are pretty muted earth tones, which will be just what I'm looking for this fall. I can't wait to try the Doll Eye mascara, as people have been raving about it for ages. The two blushes I'm interested in juxtaposing one a another. I'd love to see how NYX's cream pigment holds against the powder. They are somewhat similar colors, so I may have one on each cheek for a day! haha. I'm always into trying various liquid eyeliners, so far Maybelline Stiletto Liquid Liner in Blackest Black has won over my heart, so I'm curious to see how NYX will compare.

As for the two OPI Shades, Bubble Bath is a very neutral/subtle pink color and could easily be the base for a french tip of a color of your choice. And well, the other one is HOT-HOT-HOT! A very fun pink! I love to keep summer colors on my toes all throughout the winter, it makes me feel less cold - if that makes any sense!

So there you have it! My most recent purchases!

Remember that My Pixi Contest to *WIN* a Natural Mineral Kit is going on now until 9/20 find out how to enter:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTX8Ve...

Tweet? Tweet? http://www.twitter.com/makeup_chic

Want to watch me chat? Check out: http://www.youtube.com/leira821

xo!

A

Two Non-Beauty Items a Beauty Girl Must Have!

So it's no shock that I bought ALL of the September issues of our favorite magazines. There's nothing like the rush of getting your 4+ dollars worth! Over 300 pages of couture ads, how-to's, fall fashion spreads, and more!

While reading Cosmo I noticed this barely-an-article "Two items that solve tons of emergency body problems and fit in your clutch!" Now I usually don't read every nook and cranny of my magazines, but this definitely caught my eye.

I thought I'd share with you all you can do with baby powder and scotch tape; according to Cosmo and commented on by me.


Baby Powder

• "Sops up sweat and odor from your pits, cleavage, or crotch."
• Now I'm not sure I'll be carrying around baby powder to dump down my pants before sexy time with a new guy, but it's good to know that in a pinch I have that option. How many times have you gone over your new guy's place in the dead of summer? Honey and his roommate can barely afford the six pack of Miller Lite in the fridge, so you know that AC is not on! While sticking your head out the bathroom window in order to relieve yourself from the heat and hoping your makeup hasn't completely slid down your face, you notice the BP. A little tab here, a little tab there and you're starting to resemble the girl who left her 72 degree apartment three hours ago and less like the girl who just left the gym.
• "Degreases your hair."
• I've heard this trick before and although I know it would end with a disastrous amount of BP in my hair, it's good to know and a fabulous fix. Not many dry shampoo's come in little containers like travel BP does. Also, if you lose it you don't really much mind. Win, Win.
• "Eases irritation from thighs rubbing after walking around in a skirt all day."
• I'm not sure that most girls would admit this, but even the skinny ones get "chub rub" from time to time. And we know by hour four of the historical walk through of Washington D.C. in the middle of July our thighs be a burnin'. Nobody will miss you if you dodge into President Washington's old 1776 bathroom to sooth a pretty intense case of uni-thigh.
• "Helps keep your sheets cool and dry if you're hooking up on a hot night."
• No comment. I mean I can't even comment ...who the f...what the f...when the f...? Let's believe Cosmo on this one. 
• "Stops a cut from bleeding."
• You're sitting in the reception area before a big interview and that bug bite on your leg just NEEDS to be scratched. Moments later you have a trail of blood inching down your leg or a bright yellow Wendy's napkin stuck or your calf all while hyperventilating in panic as they call your name ... OR...you use some BP. Problem-o solved.

Scotch Tape

• "Doubles as a bandage."
• We've all made a makeshift bandage out of Scotch Tape and it's most likely we'll make one again. Definite plus to have with you.
• "Twarts ingrown-nail pain."
• Wrap a few pieces around that PITA (pain-in-the-ass) toe and you're set for a few more hours in shoes that are too sexy, but not too comfy.
• "Prevents nipples chafing from the inside of your bra."
• Okay, okay Cosmo I believe you. I've never had this problem, but if you're a girl that has, ST is for you!
• "Gives slippery shoes traction (use double stick)."
• Done it. It works. Use it. Do it.

I love these two items because they're both small and easy to carry. Also you can find both in so many places, and they fix things that could potential kill the mood, the day, or your self esteem.

Need to buy them right now in bulk?!?!


haha... okay maybe you don't, but I hope you liked this these little tips!

Remember that My Pixi Contest to *WIN* a Natural Mineral Kit is going on now until 9/20 find out how to enter:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTX8Ve...

Tweet? Tweet? http://www.twitter.com/makeup_chic

Want to watch me chat? Check out: http://www.youtube.com/leira821




xo!
A

How to Create a Fabulous Professional Look Now & Transform it for Evening Later!

It's no secret that life can be a bit chaotic. From all the responsibilities we must to do to all the things we'd like to do, there is hardly time to look up from your Blackberry. And forget about having an extra hour to jet home after work to change and reapply an entire face of makeup before an evening out. You'll never make it in time for a date with your honey or some much needed drinks with your gals. Therefore to make your life a bit easier, and get to that evening engagement quicker, here are a few simple steps to creating a fabulous professional look now and a fun going-out look later!

Step 1: Prep & Prime
It's very important to prep and prime your face in the morning; but there are simple ways to do it that won't break the budget or take up too much time. For a gal on the go, skip the face primer. Begin with a hydrating tinted moisturizer like Aveeno's Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer, SPF 30. This not only hydrates your face, but acts as a base for your makeup. If you wanted to you could stop here and not continue with foundation. At this point you should have enough coverage for an even skin tone. If you'd like to use foundation, try a light weight foundation like Clarins Truly Matte Foundation. It's oil free and lasts all day. Finish off with concealer underneath your eyes and around the bottom of your nose, where it can be a bit red. Look for a concealer palette like Sonia Kashuk's Hidden Agenda Concealer Set. This set contains two concealers, a neutralizer, and a translucent powder; perfect for solving all types of problem areas! Use the concealer to act as an eye lid primer as well. The warmth of your fingers will work the product on your lids and keep your shadow in place. To finish set your face with powder, think Revlon's PhotoReady Powder!

Step 2: Eyes
Instead of thinking about what colors will look nicely together and then have to lug around the individual shadows in your already overstuffed bag, let a cosmetics brand do the work for you! For under $7.00 test out Maybelline Expert Wear Eyeshadow. Here I'm using the shades from the Designer Chocolates quad. Where to place the color is already listed for you on the shadows. Begin the second to lightest shade and cover both lids. Pick up the chocolate cranberry color next to it and work that into your crease. Use a blending brush or your finger and blend out any harsh lines. *Think about investing in a double-ended brush, Sephora makes a bunch of different variations. They're perfect for travel and they definitely save space.*

Then using the lightest shade highlight your inner corner, this opens up your eyes and makes you appear refreshed. Then finish with sweeping the color underneath your brow bone. Curl and apply a mascara of your choice, I like really like Lorac's Special Effects Conditioning, Defining & Lengthening Mascara in black. Next line your water line with a brown eyeliner. After this step you should notice how fabulous your eyes look! And it only took a few minutes!

Step 3: Cheeks
I like to use a cream blush for long lasting color. Pick a shade that highlights your skin tone and subtly compliments the eyes. Don't worry, most cream blushes are not at all sticky. And the best part about them? You can apply with your finger tips! Try using NARS'  Multiple in the shade Orgasm. Apply to the apples of your cheeks and blend outwards.

Step 4: Lips
Make lip application easy! Stick with a tinted lip balm. It will keep your lips hydrated, it's super simple to apply, and will last through two cups of coffee and that half of a chocolate chip muffin that you swore you won't going to eat. Try one of NYX's Tinted Lip Spa's. They come in a variety of colors and are very creamy on your lips.

And Viola! Four simple steps & you're out the door!

Now to transform your day-look into evening ready!

Step 1: Concealer
Unless you were caught in the rain, hit the gym at lunch, or took a 3:30pm nap your skin tone should still look pretty even. Try not to reapply a full face of foundation again, this may make your face look a bit heavy. Instead use a concealer palette and blend shades to cover up blemishes, redness, and/or dark circles underneath your eyes. That's all you need to do to start looking alive again!

Step 2: Eyes
First repeat any of shade steps from earlier, if need be. Then using that dark chocolate color, work the product into your outer corner. Use a blending brush and blend out any harsh lines. Take the brown eyeliner from before and line your upper lash line, try to stay close to the lash line. And then line your water line. Next re-curl your lashes. Applying mascara again can sometimes be a bad idea and give you some awful spider lashes, however it's up to you. If you think that most of the mascara from the morning has flaked away or you didn't apply too much in the AM, reapply with caution. You should now be starting to look like a gal who is ready for a night out!

Step 3: Cheeks
Begin by applying your cream cheek color from the morning. That may be just what your face needs. However, if you want to amp up your look a little further, try taking a similar color but in a powder form. Set the cream with the powder blush. You can even use your fingers for this! The result will be fabulous. By doing this, the subtle cheek color now is a bit more bold.

Step 4: Lips
Take your tinted lip balm from earlier and apply. Then take a lip gloss, try Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush Lip Gloss and apply over your lips.

And in minutes you've gone from professional at work to evening chic! There are multiple ways to take day makeup and transform it for evening, however it's essential to remember two things: take the extra minute in the morning to set your face and invest in a small shadow palette. These two things will save you much needed time as well as energy!

Good luck!
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Recreate Makeup Trends for Fall 2010

 I often find it funny that we know trends for seasons that are months away. How can "they" know?!?! How can magazine editors, fashion designers, and makeup artists know?!?! It's a phenomenon...well not really, but I like to sometimes think it is. I like to believe that there is some magic and mystery that happens at the top of the beauty and fashion industry. Remember that famous quote by Ms. Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada?

"'This... stuff (talking about the racks and racks of clothes)'? Oh. Okay. I see. You think this has nothing to do with you. You go to your closet and you select... I don't know... that lumpy blue sweater, for instance because you're trying to tell the world that you take yourself too seriously to care about what you put on your back. But what you don't know is that that sweater is not just blue, it's not turquoise. It's not lapis. It's actually cerulean. And you're also blithely unaware of the fact that in 2002, Oscar de la Renta did a collection of cerulean gowns. And then I think it was Yves Saint Laurent... wasn't it who showed cerulean military jackets? I think we need a jacket here. And then cerulean quickly showed up in the collections of eight different designers. And then it, uh, filtered down through the department stores and then trickled on down into some tragic Casual Corner where you, no doubt, fished it out of some clearance bin. However, that blue represents millions of dollars and countless jobs and it's sort of comical how you think that you've made a choice that exempts you from the fashion industry when, in fact, you're wearing the sweater that was selected for you by the people in this room from a pile of stuff. The organic nature in the way that trends are thought up, recycled, and reinterpreted. "

If that's not magic, I'm not sure what is! So therefore now that Fall is actually upon us I've had plenty of time to peruse the Fall 2010 trends! I want to share with you not only some of my favorites, but how they can be reinterpreted for us everyday girls on an everyday budget.

1. The Cat Eye & Nude Lip

This look was seen on the Bluemarine models in Milan's Fashion Week. The makeup concept was created by Charlotte Tibury, lead makeup artist for MAC. I love this bold look. I love how the eyes are lined a little heavy on both the top and bottom lid and that the liner is then winged up almost to the brow. This look may be a little too harsh for the everyday girl, so I've thought of a simple way you can soften up this look without killing your budget. Start off by using an oil free foundation, check out Tarte's Peaches & Cream foundation, and create a flawless matte finish. 

This trends focus in on the dark eye, but I would go ahead and do your brows as you normally would. If you choose to try out the muted brow though, it can sometimes look a little too severe for everyday. Using an eye primer, like Benefit Cosmetics' Stay Don't Stray, pat the product on your upper lid and underneath your bottom lash line. The warmth of your figures will work the product onto your lid. I don't really like the cat eye on a bare lid, because again the look can turn out a stronger than you might like to going out with friends or hitting the mall. 

Try using a cream eyeshadow in a light shade, think Maybelline's Eye Studio Cream shadow trio in Natural Liaison for $5.49. I really love the middle brown/bronze shade. It's a drop more pigmented than your natural eye lid color, but still gives the cat eye center stage. As for the show stopper, use a liquid eyeliner on the top of your lid, think Maybelline Stiletto Liquid Liner - Blackest Black for under $6.00. It's actually one of my August Favorites, so I really do recommend it. Use a business card as a guideline, so that the winged out eye is straight and on an angle you really like. As for the bottom lashes start with L'oreal Pencil Perfect Eyeliner in Carbon Black for $1.99 and line your water line. Then using the pencil begin to define your bottom lash line and lightly begin to fill in and match it to the liquid lined wing from your top lashes. Then using the liquid liner darken the pencil line and fill in any spots. The liquid liner is absolutely fine under your bottom lashes, however make sure for your water line that you use a pencil. It's not fun getting liquid eyeliner in your eye, trust me! Curl and add your favorite black mascara to your lashes. Try L'Oreal Volume Shocking Mascara in blackest Blackest Black for $8.99.

The cheeks here are contoured, another trend of the season, right underneath the cheek bones to help facilitate this strong look. To soften this look use a light blush that just warms up the apples of your cheeks just a tad, I really love Orgasm by NARS for this affect. As for the lip, go NUDE! Test out Revlon's Nude Attitude Matte Lipstick for $6.90. You can wear it as is or add just a clear gloss to soften the look a bit. This is a fabulous this look for day or night! It's really versatile and clean. I'm really excited to see it a lot this fall!


Total Cost of the essentials to this look (lipstick, eyeliner, liquid eyeliner, and mascara): Under $30!

2. All Natural
Not many of us would dream to walk out of the house without makeup on and this is certainly not what this trend is suggesting. Rather instead, it's implying that

less is in fact more. This trend is carrying over from the spring and summer and I'm happy to see it. There is a variety of ways you can achieve this look. You can start off by only using foundation to cover any discoloration or blemishes; or use a light tinted moisturizer all over your face to moisturize, but to also even out your skin tone. For example Neutrogena Healthy Skin Enhancer Tinted Moisturizer for $11.49. This gives your face a bit of coverage without being heavy at all. I also like to add concealer, but this is personal preference. I'm really loving the Sonia Kashuk® Hidden Agenda Concealer Set for $9.99, but that's totally an option and not necessary to complete the look.

Next our eyes! The nude lid is very big when it comes to this look. I like to use an eye primer on my lid and that's it sometimes. However, if you'd like to add a little color try playing with shades from the Urban Decay
 Naked Palette, shown above, for a little over $40. Definitely an investment, but it really does have all the colors you'd ever really want for a soft look. If that's a little too steep, try Maybelline Expert Wear Quads in Sunlit Bronze for $4.94.  I love Maybelline quads because if you flip them over they tell you exactly how to put the colors on to achieve the look that you're going for. I really like the subtly of these shades. Make sure you use the lightest color of this quad or a highlight shade to place in the inner corners of your eyes. This not only opens up your eyes, but makes them look super refreshed. For most people achieving this look they'd skip on the eyeliner and I sometimes do too, but if you want to add a pop a color now would be the perfect time. Line your water line with a jewel tone, possibly an emerald green like Almay's intense i-color Eyeliner in Bring Out the Green for under $5.00. However, that's just an option. For mascara, it isn't about building a faux lash with a volumizing mascara; this entire look is based upon enhancing your natural beauty. I instead go for a lengthening mascara. Try Maybelline Lash Expansion Mascara for $6.99. For your cheeks use a light weight blush. Lately I've been enjoying the Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse Blush for $.699 (above). You can easily apply this with your fingers to achieve a subtle glow, for that perfect for the au naturale look. Try it in the shade Peach Satin. As for your lips, you have so many options. You can bite them a few times for some extra added color, eat a cherry lollipop, or leave them alone (haha). But if you want to add a product, first try and see how you like a tinted moisturizing lip balm. I think everyone loves Softlips, but not everyone knows they have a few tinted shades. Try out Softlips Tinted Lip Protectant  in Tickled Pink for under $4.00. Or if you're like me and more of a lipstick gal, test a CoverGirl's Continuous color lipstick out, especially in Smokey Rose for $3.99. I love how it pops just a little while staying true to this trend. This trend is absolutely perfect for an everyday routine. You have to just tailor it to your preferences. Check out these suggestions next time you're at your local drugstore, I promise I won't let you down!

Total Cost of the essentials to this look (foundation, eye quad, mascara, blush, and lip color): UNDER $30!

3. Gold Eyeshadow & Coral Lip

T

This was first seen done by Bobbi Brown and now it's become really popular. Gold tones work with all eye colors and there is a lot of ways in which you can really simply recreate this look. I always love a gold smokey eye! What girl doesn't it? It's incredibly sexy and wearable. Start off with a matte foundation and conceal under your eyes, along your mouth, and around your nose. Make sure you add a primer to your lids, as gold colors can sometimes not be as vibrant as the day wears on. If you're looking to splurge on an eye primer, test out Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion for $18.00. If that's out of your price range, you need not worry. You can easily use concealers as eye primers, despite what some may tell you! At least I do and I find it works fine. Try only these three shades by MAC to achieve this look, each 14.50.

First I love to start off with Honey Lust on the inner first half of my lid. On the second half use Amber Lights and blend, blend, blend! Using Mythology I work the product into my crease and blend into my outer corner. I then apply black eyeliner and use Amber Lights along my lower lashes. Using Honey Lust I highlight my brow bone and the inner corners of my eyes. There are many different ways to achieve a gold look. These are just my absolute three favorite shades to getting my eyes wear I want them. Add a volumizing mascara like Max Factor Volume Couture Mascara for $9.99 and you're good to go! The cheeks here are really subtle, I'd go with one of the Maybelline Dream Mousse Blush in a subtle pinky shade. As for the lips, I like my coral lips to have more of a pop than shown above. So I'd go with Lola's Cherie Amore from my August Favorites. This trend is super fun to put together and a lot easier than one might think!

Total Cost of the essentials to this look: UNDER $60! *Look around your favorite drugstore though, you can probably find gold tones that will do this look justice. 


So there you have it, my favorite must-copy Fall 2010 trends!

I hope you try them out and let me know what you think or how you're doing them!

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xo!
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Five Beauty Tips We Should Take from Jersey Girls!

Let's be honest, Jersey girls take a lot of heat -- and not just the heat from the tanning salon! From their big hair to big attitudes most people have an opinion of girls from Jersey.

T.V. doesn't help either! Jersey Shore, Jerseylicious, Housewives of New Jersey, and a few other shows depict these fabulous women in a not so fabulous light. But if you really think about it, there may actually be something we can learn from these bronzed beauties!

1. The Benefits of a little Color
Now, some of our Jersey girls have gone a little over the edge in their attempts to stay tan, but their reason for doing so isn't crime; it's actually pretty valid. When our skin is a little sun-kissed we look more refreshed, younger, and even a bit thinner. And the best part? There is no need to actually hit the beach for eight hours a day for the entire summer, while potentially damaging your skin! There are amazing sunless tanners that work famously and give your skin that vibrancy it could really use. Furthermore when you're rockin' a nice glow you don't need to put on as much makeup, hence saving you time and money! Check out L'Oreal's Sunless Sublime Glow Daily Moisturizer! Under $10 bucks!

 2. Go ahead! Tease away!

...Your hair that is! You've seen it, the HUGE Jersey hair; compiled of layers upon layers of hairspray, products, and whatever else they jam it to make three times the size of their heads. And well, although some may say that it's not a great look, I think that they've got the right idea. When your hair has a little lift at the roots and a little body, it really opens up your face and can really add a new dimension to your look. Now we all think of "body" in terms of hair height, but it's really the hair texture that the term "body" is referring to. By adding a just a touch of product and quick 5 minute blow dry at your roots, you can change your whole aura! Check out Pantene's Fine Hair Root Lifter Spray -- on $4.70!

Check out LuLus.com!

3. When You Look Good, You Feel Good
Glitter, rhinestones, and spandex are just some of the things we sometimes see our Jersey Girls wearing. And even though we may not want to rock a hot pink tube top with glitter, doesn't necessary mean our Garden State girls are doing anything wrong. It's obvious that they think about and take pride in the outfits that they chose and how they want to look. When you feel like you look good, you feel good. And when you're feeling good you're usually more confident and outgoing; what's wrong with that? Taking pride in your appearance is not only good ol' quality time for yourself and maybe some friends, but it gives you a chance to present yourself to the world how you'd really like to be seen. Instead of throwing on sweatpants and an old t-shirt to run to the supermarket, take 15 minutes and actually put something on. You may be surprised by how you feel and how others treat you! Take a peak at the selection at LuLu's, they have tons of awesome clothes at even better prices.

4. Nails! Nails! Nails!

"Um I'd like my nails really lowng, with purple french tips, and umm yeh yeh - add some silver sparkle to them too...ok great, thanks doll!" 

It's the stereotypical Jersey girl conversation you've either seen on T.V. or heard at your local salon, a pretty young lady asking to have talons glued to her fingernails. For most of us this is not a look that we'd wish to copy. How are you supposed to button a button or tie your shoes with those things attached to your fingers? But I think our clawed gals are on to something. Your hands are not something you can hide with baggy sweat pants or a long t-shirt, and unless you'd like to wear gloves all the time, they are constantly out for the world to see. If you have torn up cuticles, bitten at nail beds, or yesterday's gardening extravaganza underneath your finger nails you look a bit unkempt. And that's not you! You're beautiful and fabulous! For under $10 dollars at some salons you have those babies lookin' great in no time! And for under $10 dollars you can buy a nail kit and clean them up yourself. If you'd like to add color, pick a light shade of polish, like OPI's polish in "It's a Girl!", that's easy to touch up and not as noticeable if it chips. 

5. Stilettos, Heels, and Pumps -- Oh My!
Shore girls can strut! They can rock a 4-inch heel like flip flops. The boardwalk is their runway and they want all eyes on them! And although we may not want to wear a 3 inch black patent leather heel to the office on a Tuesday doesn't mean we shouldn't! It's a little known fact that wearing heels elongates your legs and can make a finishing statement to any basic look. Also, not only are you physically taller, but you psychologically walk a bit taller too. The next time you throw on the same black skirt with your basic black top, think about adding some killer (in appearance, not comfort) colorful pumps! Jessica Simpson has a great line of affordable heels, flats, and boots that are definitely worth checking out!



In the end I know this list can seem a bit silly, but if you think about it Jersey girls are only exaggerating tips, tricks, and girly secrets that we've known forever! So the next time you see a Garden State girl doin' her thing, give her a compliment....or maybe just a smile!

xo!
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