Miami Makeup Tutorial Using Wet n Wild Palettes

The Perfect Holiday Outfit

As we're well into the holiday season I can't but help to find myself pursuing the racks for not only gifts for friends and family, but ensembles to wear to the variety of parties I've promised to attend.

Above is an outfit, hair, and makeup look that I think is totally posh, playful, and appropriate for any holiday soiree.

Let's start with the dress. The dress is a folded-sequin silk-organza dress is by Adam and absolutely beautiful. This is party piece itself! Layers upon layers of folded dark-purple/black and gold sequins! I love the simple V-neck, pleated skirt, and exposed silver zipper. This is such an understated statement piece and the classic shape would look quite lovely on a variety of body types.

I paired this dress with some delicious red pumps. These heels are by Yves Saint Laurent. I love mixing textures and these suede pumps are exquisite. Although the dress is full of bright sequins, I feel as though the two paired together look simply divine!

To accessorize I chose a subtle snake skin leather clutch from Intermixonline.com. Again, it's the  inconspicuous way you choose to mix and match textures that can really make an outfit.  I love the feminine envelope shape of the purse as well as the size. You'll be able to fit more than a $20 and your car key! - Ha! The best thing about this clutch though is that you can match it with very casual outfits as well. Very versatile.

Because the dress and shoes are such statement pieces, I didn't want to clutter the look with a ton of jewelry. I chose one large sapphire blue cocktail ring for the right middle finger. The love the classic, but sexy look of one large ring on your hand. I toned down this piece with a subtle nail polish color by Essie. This color is Sew Psyched from Essie's Fall 2010 collection. I love the rich gray tone. I have been absolutely obsessed with gray toned nail polishes, including another Essie Nail Polish entitled Chinchilly. OPI's You Don't Know Jacques! would work really well too!

As for hair and makeup, I thought a really tossled simple barely-there-updo would look sensational. Putting your hair up with really pretty bobby pins accented with silver rosettes would add a really finished touch. Try checking out this set by Paris, however I am very sure you could find something at a much more reasonable price! 

To finish the look you need the perfect makeup. I chose to use this palette by Lauren Luke entitled My Smokey Classics Palette.  My Smokey Classics Palette includes a bevy of complementary beauty essentials to create sultry eyes, flushed cheeks, and luscious lips. This palette includes two blendable shadow primers - Nude Slip Dark & Nude Slip Light, three flattering eye shadows - Antique Pewter, Twilight Ash & Cashmere Cream, one defining eyeliner - Raven Black, one contouring blush - Peach Glow, two luscious lip shades - Plumberry & Cranberry Stain, and one My Glossy Lips lip gloss in Sheer. What else could a girl ask for?

And there ya go! My idea of an absolutely perfect holiday outfit!

Let me know what you think!

Thanks for reading!

Tis' the Season!

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My Fabulously *Mostly* Faux Holiday Gift List!

Hey Everyone!

If you're like me you're almost (or already done) your holiday shopping! Black Friday and Cyber Monday are my days to shop! After clipping coupons and bookmarking shops online the week prior, I totally set myself up to splurge for the entire four day span! Here I've compiled a list of some gifts I'd love to receive and some wishful-not-gonna-happen-unless-I'm-Kim-Kardashian purchases. I'm sure you'll be able to spot the difference!

1.  Joie Somerville Paper Leather Jacket - $748

How absolutely beautiful is this coat? I even love the gray. It's one of Rachel Zoe's picks on Piperlime and I cannot agree more with her. The jacket is loud, but simple all at the same time. It's one of those pieces that you would have for life -- that would just get better with age! The details are absolutely exquisite and the fit would flatter all shapes. Hitting you just above your hips, this jacket sure knows how to work your curves!





2. Christian Louboutin's Pigalle 120 polka-dot pumps -$595

These incredibly sexy heels measuring approximately 5 inches high hold up a classic metallic-silver stitched polka-dot patterned pump. They definitely stay true to Christian Louboutin's iconic black satin pumps with sparkle. I am completely in love with these shoes. Picture it - skinny jeans, a simple top, refined jewelry -- I would let these babies do the talking! They are extremely versatile and allow you to pair them with a variety of wardrobe styles.

  



3. OPI's Skin Teal We Drop - $9
 

This color by OPI comes from their Winter 2010 collection. I'm not really a blue/green lover for my nails, but for some reason I am just so attracted to this color. I love the subtle quality of the blue, but how the deep rich color gives off a very refined appeal. The warmth of the tone reminds me very much of OPI's Lincoln Park After Dark. I know it would be easy to steer clear of an "out of your comfort zone" color, but I have firm beliefs that it will not let you down!

4. Louis Vuitton Monogram Vernis Bellevue PM in Pomme D'Amour - $895

The bag I have my eye on is the smaller version of the Louis Vuitton Bellevue style and I am completely won over by this very expensive monogram embossed patent leather bag. I adore the regal feel and I have dreams of pairing it with simple casual outfits (for some reason I am all about pairing casual outfits with an amazing piece). It's such a statement and for just under $900 it could be all mine. Ha! A girl can dream though right?





5.  Burberry Check Rain Boots - WIN them via Auction on Oohilove.com

 Here I go with the classic style again! I think all gals need a pair of these! They are adorable and - get this - actually functional! Paired with just about anything these shoes can get us where we want to be, but without ruining a pair of heels in the process. And the very best part? You can score these babies for a fraction of the price on Oohilove!

You're just a few bids away from splashing in Burberry!



6.  12 Flash Color Case by Make Up For Ever - $95

I'm sure you've seen this palette before! The 12 shades offer so much versatility and fun. I've seen several bloggers and YouTuber's use this palette, but I can't seem to justify the price tag -- no matter how badly I want it!  These twelve cream shadows can be mixed and matched to create so many different looks. You don't have to be a professional makeup artist to enjoy something this divine!


 


7. Ray-Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses - $195

I love the retro yet modern shape of these sunglasses and out my entire wish list I may just want these the most! Even though I live in New York City I am much more a Charlotte than a Carrie. The styles and shapes I usually go for are tragically classic at times, therefore I am quite surprise how in love I am with these pair of shades!

I would even wear them at night! (Because, you know, the sun never sets on a bad ass! ha!)



All in all I think it's perfectly healthy once in a while to totally online window shop and daydream. With online shops like Oohilove though, we no longer have to drool on our computer screens! You can win fabulous designer bags, shoes, clothes and more for almost nothing!

Thanks for reading!

Tis' the Season!

Want to tweet with me? Follow me @Makeup_Chic

Want to watch me chat? Check out My YouTube Channel

Top Favorite Makeup Items for a Perfect Holiday Look!

As the first of the holidays loom I'm sure you've already committed to yourself to a few holiday events. Whether it be Thanksgiving at Aunt Bunny's house or the annual work party you have most weekends on lock down. To save myself from going into debt before I even buy holiday presents, I like to pick out a few key separates and a makeup look that I can mix and match for all the parties/family gatherings I've agreed to attend. In years past I've stopped at Nordstroms or Neimans before every single holiday soiree and hit up the MAC counter at least twice. Add to the present I'm most likely carrying in hand and this girl is broke! I usually have to ring in the New Year with Chinese takeout - we'll maybe not that bad, but I do have to pick up that cheap-stomach-ache bottle of champagne! Below I've created a simple and sleek look that will translate to any party you're attending within the next few weeks. It's super easy to do! n the tutorial I show my Top Favorite Holiday Makeup Items. Whether it be a versatile palette, an liquid eyeliner that does not require a steady hand to achieve perfection, or an elegant lip - I've got you covered!


Due to the lovely Christmas song I chose to accompany the tutorial I cannot embed on an outside source, please go here to watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gMViKPAV3g

Leave me comments! Want to see more tutorials? Check out my YouTube Channel You can also Tweet with me @Makeup_Chic.

Happy Holidays!

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!
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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

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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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