Halloween Tutorial: Evil Queen

Halloween Tutorial

Evil Queen

This was fun to do because I was able to use the ELF palette and the picture on the front to create my version of the artist’s look for the Evil Queen. I think that you could also use this look for a sorceress or vampire look.  

Tools:

Maybelline Age Rewind Eraser foundation and concealer, The Balm eye shadow primer, NARS luminizer in Hungry Heart, ELF HD powder, the ELF Evil Queen shadow palette: mascara, liquid eye liner, pencil eye liner, lip gloss, and Ardell Evil Queen lashes in: Tyra.

Face: Start with the face. Use light foundation and concealer to prep your look. Cover with a powder. Use a luminizer to highlight the forehead, nose, tops of cheeks and the middle of your chin.

Eyes: I used Huntsman shadow all over the eye area. I then used the Jealousy shadow on the lid and blended it up into the crease. I used the shadow Dark Magic on the outer edge of the lid and blended it up into the crease. I then used the shadow witch on the top lid liner area and the bottom outer liner area. I used the liquid liner to make a very sharp and long triangle cat eye look. The liner is very wet and the formula does not dry quickly so it was annoying to work with. I used the liquid liner on the bottom outer area of the eye. I placed the eye lashes on last and if you do not use lashes, you need to practice putting them on a few times before you initially use them because you could mess up your eye look. I always use mascara before I apply eyelashes.

Eyebrows: I lined and filled in my brows using the black pencil liner. I concentrated on drawing and filling in the top 2/3 of my eye brows to give a little more height and arch to them.  

Lips: I just put on the lip gloss and did not use any liner with it.

I really loved doing this look. This is a more glamorous eye look for Halloween but it is not difficult to do. If you are unsure about liquid liner I would just skip it. If you are interested in using liquid liner I would go with a formula that dries more quickly than this one. I really like Maybelline Stiletto liner; it’s pretty easy to use.

Happy Halloween! 

Halloween Tutorial: Snow White

Halloween Tutorial

Snow White

A simple makeup look for a traditional costume that can be used for, obviously, Snow White or even certain super heroes like Wonder Woman. 

Tools:

ELF Evil Queen palete, ELF lengthening mascara, ELF pencil eye liner, ELF essential lip gloss, ELF eye shadow primer, Avon minerals blush in Hearty Peach, Cover Girl Lip Perfection lip liner in Passion, Mary Kay eye brow pencil, Maybelline Age Rewind Eraser foundation and concealer, and ELF studio HD powder, 

Face: Start with the face, apply concealer in a mask shape around your eyes, down your nose, underneath your eyes and onto the top part of your cheeks. Add foundation over it and blend. This creates a lighter and brighter look around your eye area. Powder. Add a matte peach blush to give cheeks color and definition. Snow White was a basic and young princess so go easy with the color and make sure it's light and natural looking. 

Eyes: I placed the color "Huntsman" all over the eye. I blended the color "Jealousy" over the eye lid and up into the crease area. I then took the eye pencil in black and applied it on the top and bottom of the eye on about 1/3 of the outer eye area and curved the outer lines so that the eye appears more rounded. Use a light hand as this eye liner is very thick and waxy and can tug and hurt the eye if too much pressure is applied. I used the mascara on the top and bottom lashes using care not to get excess on top of the lash line. Use a hand held mirror for more precise application with both eye liner and mascara. 

Eyebrows: I lined and filled in my eye brows lightly with Mary Kay's eye brow liner pencil. 

Lips: I lined and filled my lips in Covergirl's lip perfection liner in Passion. I added the ELF lip gloss on top of the red liner. 

I love this makeup look and can wear this on a regular day. This makeup look is really simple and easy and I love that Snow White was such a basic no fuss kind of princess. For a basic costume you can do this makeup, wear a blue shirt, optional yellow hoodie, a red ribbon in the hair and you are set! Spend a little and grab the traditional costume found year after year at costume stores! If your hair is already dark you can pin up the length in the back and you are set! If not look for a Snow White wig; short black hair, no bangs. 

Have you ever dressed as a princess for halloween? I actually have not! I would love to be Princess Peach sometime; you?

Elf Disney Villain Evil Queen Halloween Makeup Palettes and Accessories

Background: 

This is a special collection that many brands have participated in. For instance, Ardell did the lashes, Elf did the makeup and Scunci did the hair ties. The reason for all this Disney explosion? Disney recently sold the rights to some of their princess stuff so a lot of brands are taking advantage and if they have the rights, they are now marketing princess gear of all kinds. I have always loved Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. I was very excited to see the villain collections at Walgreens (most of them are already gone!)! These come out every year, however, this year the artwork is done in water color and last years was more of a computer generated cartoon look. I can see how these kits are very useful and fun for creating the villain looks but many contain colors that you can wear for every day occasions! 

Makeup Bag: The water color artistry is on the front and the back of the bag. The inside is lined in printed fabric that is relevant to the story. The Evil Queen's bag is printed in a black apple on top of a bright pink background. There are straps inside of the bag to hold some of your products in place. 

Hair Ties: These are the type of hair ties that you can adjust the circumference of accompanied by regular hair ties. I like these because I can actually wear the former of these on my wrists without my circulation being cut off. Some of the hair ties actually have charms attached that go along with the character's story: one of these has a heart that is stabbed with a dagger. 

Eyelashes: There are three sets of eyelashes per character. The lash set comes with a tube of glue. The ones in the Evil Queen collection are: Thin wispy with gold and white iridescent glitter, thick staggered, and a full set even in length. 

Nail Polish: ELF produced this set of nail polishes where there are 3 colors per villain for a total of 12 polishes in the case. These are many different colors here: some are quite unique, but most are typical colors that one can utilize throughout the year. 

Makeup Set: This makeup set is full of products from the ELF cosmetics' essential line. The essential line is made up of very inexpensive products that are very hit and miss in quality. You get: 1 mascara, 1 black liquid eye liner, 1 black pencil eye liner, 1 shadow primer, 1 pink lip gloss, 1 makeup brush, and a palette of 6 eye shadows. 

Top Row: (Left to Right) Huntsman, Jealousy, Majesty

Bottom Row: Witch, Vanity, Dark Magic

Later today I'm posting a tutorial look for this makeup palette for Snow White and tomorrow I will post a tutorial using this same makeup to create the Evil Queen look. 

I received all of these products as a gift. 

What do you think about these collections? Do you go crazy over them or skip them? 

Mieux Make-Up Monday: Bare Minerals Lash Domination Mascara

Bare Minerals Lash Domination Volumizing Mascara

What is it?

A volumizing mascara that claims to produce thick dark black lashes using a spiraled wand. The formula contains minerals for color and quinoa protein to build the thickness of lashes more naturally. This mascara is $18.00 and can be purchased at: bareescentuals.com and ulta.com.

The Real Deal:

The brush is made up of a silicone/plastic material. The brushes bristles are not very long. The brush is shaped in a unique spiral pattern. The color option is INTENSE BLACK only. This is a new mascara from this brand and it launched mid-summer of this year. It is the newest innovative brush pattern that I have seen so far. I find that these plastic/silicone bristled brushes are not user-friendly for me. I tend to poke myself in the eye using these brushes far more often than when I use a more natural hair-like fibered brush. The formula is creamy to dry. There are obvious clumps that form occasionally on the brush before application.

One must use caution when using this mascara. It clumps easily and the thick creamy formula tends to build up on lashes very quickly so a heavy hand needs to be avoided during application. I find that the short bristles on the brush make it hard for me to get onto my lashes. I have poked myself in the eye a few times during application just because I cannot judge how close to place the brush to my eyeball due to the short bristles. Use my mascara application technique: “roll upwards, then wiggle at the base, then roll upwards again”. I also apply mascara until I achieve my preferred look (which is always more than one coat; never waiting between coats).

Action Shots:

I would say that this mascara is fantastic for many occasions; especially a smokey eye or night out on the town look. You will achieve a thick dark looking lash set using this mascara. However, you will get little to no build up of length. If you have longer lashes already, this formula is something that I would recommend as it will build the thickness of your lashes making them look quite impressive and dramatic (Ahem, a date night must).

Quality: ****/5 (The formula is thick, creamy, and deeply pigmented while the wand is innovative and well thought out in regards to design)

Perks: The formula is made using minerals and quinoa protein for a more natural ingredient list.

Bang for your buck: ****/5 (It’s a great price for such a quality product)

Disclaimer: I purchased this with my own money and I am not being paid for my opinion.

Are you planning on trying out this mascara? Do you end up buying the newest formula/brush styles?

Throwback Thursday: Avon Nailwear Pro+ Nail Enamel!

Avon Nailwear Pro+ Nail Enamel in:  NIGHT VIOLET (discontinued), TWEED (discontinued), UNTAMED (new), LICORICE (discontinued), DECADENCE (available), RACY (new)

What is it?

A nail enamel armed with properties to provide intense pigmentation and extreme wear. This product is sold through an Avon representative or on avon.com. It retails for $6.00.  

The Real Deal:

NIGHT VIOLET is a very dark purple wine with small silver and pewter flecks of shimmer. It dries very dark on the nail.

UNTAMED is a medium creamy gray.

TWEED is a burgundy wine with a cream finish; this color also dries to a very dark almost black finish.

LICORICE is a black cream.

DECADENCE is a bright deep purple with hints of bluish purple shimmer.

RACY is a vibrant fuschia with a cream finish.

All of the nail colors are darker when they dry than they appear while in the bottle. However, it is not that much of a difference. The pigmentation is extreme and after two coats the nail is completely opaque with the color. I wash my hands a lot because I am a caretaker. Usually, I will buy a color I like and my manicure will last ½ a day maybe 1 if I do not have to work the day that I paint my nails. This formula sticks onto the nails and feels thick. It lasts 4-5 days for me which is SUPERB! Avon usually has the new colors on sale for almost half price and then they will have several polish sales throughout the year as colors come and go. I ordered a limited edition shade recently called INKY BLUE and it is a deep navy cream. I’m very excited to get it and try it. This is the only nail polish I ever consider buying anymore because the staying power is insane!  

Quality: ****/5 (The formula is highly pigmented, and the polish stays for a long time)

Perks: long wear formula

Bang for your buck: ***/5 ($6.00 for a polish is a lot for me to spend; look for sales which happen several times a year!)

Disclaimer: I purchased this with my own money and I am not being paid for my opinion.

What are your fave brands/colors of nail polish? Do you buy trendy colors often or classic colors?

Pop Beauty Aqua Lacquer

Pop Beauty Aqua Lacquer

What is it?

A very shiny thick lip gloss in a tube. It is housed inside of a clear tube and comes with a plastic paddle applicator. The top screws on and off. It is priced at birchbox.com for $14.00.

The Real Deal:

This is the strangest lip gloss that I have ever used. I say that in a good way. However, when I first used this I was in hate with it. After it sat on my lips for about a minute my lips began to expand slightly in plumpness. It is VERY shiny and has almost zero color payoff even though it looks richly pigmented inside of the tube. I got this through Birchbox in the color FLOATING ROSE. I do not like the plastic paddle applicator at all; for $14.00 a pop, they should have put a little bit more into some classier looking packaging because this stuff looks CHEAP!

I will say that the formula is superb! It is very slick and not sticky in the least. Though, your hair will stick to it on a windy day, so take heed! It has the teensiest hint of a sparkle. 

Action Shots:

Quality: ****/5 (The formula is very shiny, it lasts a couple of hours, and feels slick, not sticky)

Perks: There’s a small amount of healthy plumping due to jojoba oil

Bang for your buck: ***/5 (It’s pricy for the cheap packaging and the lack of pigmentation)

Disclaimer: I purchased this with my own money and I am not being paid for my opinion.

What are your fave lip gloss formulas? Longlasting? Rich pigmentation?  

Mary Kay Lash Love Mascara

Mary Kay Lash Love Lengthening Mascara in BLACK

What is it?

A lengthening mascara. This tube is full of .28 oz of product. The brush is fairly small in gauge and it is made of a hard silicone/plastic material. This comes in plum, green, black and brown. The plum and green colors are limited editions. Marykay.com price is $15.00.

The Real Deal:

Unfortunately, this mascara fails to impress me. I think that the formula is pretty good at lengthening the lashes but not as impressive as others that I have tried. Also, the brush is just not something I enjoy using. I keep poking myself in the eyeball for some reason whenever I use this mascara! Part of my dislike for this mascara is due to the wand. I don’t usually buy drugstore mascara because I prefer a more “hair” like bristle because they are usually softer on the eye area. This mascara is ok, but pricy for what it does; you can just pick up a cheaper mascara at the drugstore and get a similar result.

If you are interested in trying out this mascara because you just love long lashes and Mary Kay, than this one is for you. However, if you want to find that lengthening mascara in a drugstore brand that is better than this, check out L’Oreal’s Telescopic mascara. If you prefer high end; my 2 faves are Lancome L’extreme and Dior’s Extase. The Lancome mascara will give you to die for lashes, and the Dior one is a bit tricky to work with but will give you long, separated and voluminous lashes.

Quality: **/5 (The formula works just fine, but it’s not impressive)

Perks: There’s no added benefit

Bang for your buck: **/5 (I can find a formula like this for less at a drugstore; or even Avon)

Disclaimer: I purchased this with my own money and I am not being paid for my opinion.

Do you buy makeup through catalogs/representatives? Which do you prefer; MK or Avon?

Mid Month Makeup Roundup #1: October Craziness!

Whew!

As I finish up my mid-month Friday I reflected on all the makeup products that I have been reaching for day after day! I also thought about the fact that I'm midway through my semester at school. I'm an education major taking 16 course work hours while working overnights FT as a caretaker. Sure, I am allowed to sleep 7 hours at night at work, but come on, a full night's rest is not going to happen on those nights!

I also go to a teaching internship and educate America's youth 2 - 3 times a week! That means that sleeping in on my days off is not an option! So what products am I putting on to fake day to day readiness?

It Cosmetics CC+ Cream in Light

Bare Minerals Ready Bronzer in The High Dive

NYX Natural Eye Shadow Palette: Primarily colors #4 & 5

Dior Dior Addict Lipstick in Tokyo

Mary Kay Brow Pencil in Brunette

Be a Bombshell Cosmetics Blush in Sweet Cheeks

The CC+ cream from It Costmetics (review link: CC Review) is such a daily "life saver". It is my day time moisturizer, foundation, and SPF50 all in one product. I can slap this stuff on and follow with my other cosmetics to get out of the door quickly because I'm finding myself continuously short on primping time these days! Bare Minerals Bronzer is such a vital product now. I'm still a bit "sunkissed" :) and I need a  pop of color on my face so that I do not look like a ghost from the neck up. I apply this on my forehead, around my temples, across the middle of my cheeks, across my nose, and down my neck. The NYX eye palette works perfectly for the days I'm at my internship and I want to look polished and put together without spending a ton of time on my eyes! I just sweep number 4 all over and then blend number 5 in the crease and down onto the lid. That's it! I finish up the eye area with a little Mary Kay Brow Definer and a random mascara (I'm testing some right now). I got to have color on my cheeks; I'm just like that! I'm loving Be a Bombshell Cosmetics Blush in Sweet Cheeks. It is a vibrant deep pink with bluish shimmer. It brightens up the face so quickly. Lastly I swipe on a no fuss lip product: Dior Dior Addict is a creamy lipstick that I can pop on without liner or a mirror. I love the peachiness of the color Tokyo.

That's it! These are my current daily go to products! What are yours? I tend to choose more unique shadows and lip colors when I'm going out on the weekends; do you?

Fantastic Skincare Friday! Mary Kay Timewise Microdermabrasion

Fantastic Skin Fridays!

Area: Face

Concern: Dull skin, Dry skin, Acne, General Aging concerns

Product: Mary Kay Timewise Microdermabrasion Step 1: Refine, 2.5 oz

Price: $31.00 (STEEP!)

Function:

This is a general exfoliator that uses micro crystals to exfoliate the skin. It is a 2 step process where one uses a moisturizer for step 2. However, I just purchased the exfoliator because my skin does not tolerate certain moisturizers very well. This product is supposed to “refine” your skin after one use and is supposed to provide you with a gentle exfoliation experience.  

After one use your face is smooth just like any other exfoliator. What I like about this one is the micro crystal format. I tend to find larger exfoliation products too harsh for my face which ends up hurting my skin and making me breakout even more. What I do not like about this product is that the bottle is TINY and the price tag is high! Are there better ones on the market? Sort of, there sure are other micro crystal formulas for exfoliators out there like: Philosphy’s microdelivery which comes in a much larger bottle!

Tip: Find a formula like this one and pass this up due to its hefty price tag. The mega large bottle of Philosophy’s Microdelivery wash comes with a pump and will last longer than a year… yep!

This product is sold on www.marykay.com and through your local Mary Kay representative*.

*And yes you can purchase step 1 by itself, don’t be sold on the moisturizer too if you have a moisturizer that you already love.

Quality: **/5 (it’s a great formula but it’s not a miracle product)

Perks: Gentle exfoliation

Bang for your buck: */5 (It costs too much for such a little size!)

Repurchase Quotient: Like a certain American gymnast, I’m not impressed, so not likely.

Disclaimer: I purchased this with my own money and I am not being paid for my opinion.

What’s your go to exfoliation product? Is it an acid or a granule exfoliator?