work those smEYES

Today, we’re going back to basics! It’s for all those who are just starting out with makeup or want to go back to basics again, so sit back and enjoy.

{ SHADOW ACTION }

Neutral shades are amazing for those who want to save time because they’re easy to blend and would seem much more natural. If you’re going out in the evening and you want something that stands out more, opt for a shade that contrasts with the shade of your iris.

Brown eyes : turquoise blues, slate blues and navy blues are great.

Blondies : they look great with brown to taupe colors.

Green eyes : mauves, burgundy and lilacs will make the eyes stand out!

Tip : The skin on the insides of your wrist has a color that’s closest to that of your eyelid, so when you go eyeshadow shopping you know where to test it on!

To make your eyes seem further apart : emphasize the eyeshadow on the outer corner of the eye. This gives the Bambi-like look.

Also apply concealer (a shade lighter than your skin) on the inner corners of  your lids.

Make sure you tap the brush against a hard surface after dipping it into eyeshadow to remove any excess to ensure that there isn’t any fall-outs.

Applying a light colored (white / bone) eyeshadow on the middle of the browbone will open up the eyes. Do make sure that there are no hairs there or else… It won’t be a pretty sight.

{ LINING }

To line your eyes, pencil formulations are the easiest to apply. However you risk getting it smudged, so layer the eyeliner with a shadow of the same shade. Use a damp eyeliner brush and get some eyeshadow on it before drawing on the line.

Get your eyeliner as close to the lash line as possible as this gives the illusion of lash length.

 

 

{ MASCARA }

If your lashes get clumpy are application, it’ll be a good idea to use a lash comb. Or, you can use a mascara brush to separate the lashes. This can be done when you’ve finished one tube of mascara – wash it clean and use it as a lash comb! Do make sure to wash it after each use.

 

To reduce clumping, clean the brush with a tissue paper once you’ve dipped it into the mascara tube. This will remove any excess and cause less clumps. Don’t worry about wasting because it’s sacrifice. And you know what they say about sacrifice – giving up something good for something better!

Remember to curl your lashes because they’ll open your eyes more!

Also, do the wiggling action with the brush at the base of your lashes and it’ll make your lashes seem longer.

{ EYEBROWS }

Now, you’ve heard everyone say how brows complete a look and how important it is to do them before heading out. Well, eyebrows that are taken care of makes the face appear well groomed.

Plucking :
1) Find the starting point of your brows! Place your tweezers parallel to the inner corner of your eyes and that’s the point where your eyebrows should start.

2) Find your end! Place your eyebrow pencil at the outer corner of the eye (where it ends) and the nostril, align them nicely in a diagonal line and the area which the pencil touches your eyebrow is the part where it should end.

 

3) Find your arch! Your arch should be along the same line as the outer part of your iris.

 

Do not overpluck them! A person without eyebrows don’t exactly look the best. If you’re unhappy with how they look, wait for 6-8 weeks before plucking again.

You should pluck your brows after a shower because the skin is supple and will make the brows come off less painful. Make sure you can see both your brows when you pluck, so you know when to stop.

Do not use a magnified mirror as you’ll be tempted to pluck everything off!

When filling the brows, powder gives a more natural finish. MAC makes amazing shades for brows! If your hair color is light, choose a powder that’s a shade darker for your brows and if your hair is dark, go a shade lighter.

 

Alright, that’s all I have for you. Those are some tips for you to make your eye area appear better and I hope you’ve enjoyed this post! Now get out and work those smeyes, stay tuned for more basics!

Olivia Wilde Inspired

Time for another celebrity-inspired makeup!

She has acted in Tron Legacy, House and In Time. Yup! Olivia Wilde.

She has a really nice figure that’s accompanied with a square jaw that accentuates her sexiness.

Her look consists of high cheekbones and a strong eye makeup which makes her blue eyes stand out. The rest of the face would be neutral with a bit of a pinky flush on her cheeks which adds a slight feel of innocence amongst all the sexiness that’s going on.

{ FOUNDATION }

Her type of look is matte, so of course we need a foundation that gives a matte finish.

Drugstore : Revlon Colorstay

This foundation gives a matte surface (duh.) and also has SPF in it! So if you’re the lazy kind, this can be a 2-in-1 kind of product. This foundation also has 2 different types to suit people with different skin issues. Normal / dry or combo / oily. It’s only $10.99 and there’s a hugeeee variety of shades for you to choose from.

High end : NARS Sheer Matte Foundation

This gives a sheer and matte finish and the coverage can also be built up. So if you’re the kind who wants a totally flawless finish, you can apply this over the areas that needs more coverage. One bottle is priced at $44 and there are 20 different shades to choose from.

{ CONCEALER }

Olivia has a flawless face so for those of us with imperfections that show through under the foundation, this is essential.

Drugstore : Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer

This can act as a concealer and highlighter as well, when used under the eyes, it can make them look “brighter” and more awake. Which in turns would focus on the eyes. This is specially formulated for undereyes, but it can also be used for unwanted spots. It’s $8.31 and comes in 6 shades. If you want something else because you’ve been blessed without eye bags, you can opt for the Dark Spot Corrector + Treatment.

It’s $7.99 and comes in 5 shades.

High end : NARS Creamy Concealer

This is great at concealing! It’s crease-proof and has moisturizing properties, instead of drying the skin like some products do. $28 and has 10 shades. The wand makes everything more hygienic.

{ EYEBROWS}

Wilde has thin, but full brows and I know some of us are pretty unfortunate and have sparse brows, so this step is needed! But if you’re blessed with full brows, feel free to skip this!

Drugstore : Physicians Formula Brow Definer Automatic Brow Pencil

We don’t really want a think brow pencil / brow wax because it’ll be more difficult to control and our brows might end up too thick. This is a perfect size and comes with a brush too! How convenient. $5.95 with 2 shades available!

High end : Anastasia Brow Wiz

This has a really really thin pencil on one end, which allows us to define the brows easily. Be careful with the amount of force you apply on the product, or else it’ll break because it’s so thin! The spooly on one end allows you to comb throw the brows and makes us look more polished.

{ MASCARA }

A mascara that lengthens and volumizes well is essential, because the eye area is where we want emphasis on.

Drugstore : Maybelline Volum Express The Falsies mascara

This adds volume, lengthens AND doesn’t clump! Clumping of lashes makes them appear unnatural and ugly, and as you can see from Olivia’s lashes, they’re flared out and separated beautifully, so this will work well! Waterproof or not, it’s your choice! Priced at only $5.99, I’d definitely say that this is a steal.

High end : Too Faced Lashgasm Mascara

This mascara has many bristles and with little “hooks” on them that can grab each lash and allows them to flare out to the best of their ability! The color is intense as well, which would attract people to look at them. *eye flirts* $21 only!

{ EYELINER }

This is another product that enhances the looks of the eyes and she has a teensy weensy bit of a winged eyeliner (cat eye) so a pen formula / felt tip would be easier to do that!

Drugstore : L’Oreal Lineur Intense Felt Tip Eyeliner

This has a thin felt tip which would be easy (especially for beginners!) to use, and for a winged effect, this would do the job easily because it is easy to control and we all use pens right? This is just like a pen. It comes in 2 shades, and it’s only $9.49.

High end : Tarte multiplEYE Liquid Liner

This has a really tiny felt tip and has the same properties as the drugstore version.

{ EYESHADOW }

Honestly, you can skip this step because the eyeliner and mascara has done the job of making the eyes the focus points, but if you feel insecure without eyeshadow, here are 2 options.

Drugstore : Maybelline Color Tattoo

Only Bad to the Bronze or Tough as Taupe is recommended to achieve her look! Those 2 are the most neutral and allows the eyes to stand out more. If you use a color that stands out a lot, your eye area will seem as though there’s a party ongoing around there. A big party. It’s only $5.83 and is an “everyday usage” kind of thing, so it’s worth your money!

High end : Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette

Not much of a surprise huh? It’s raved about everywhere on YouTube and well, it is worth the hype because the colors are super neutral and versatile, great pigmentation too! It may be $27 and a little pricey, but totally worth it.

{ BLUSH }

A subtle blush is enough for her look because it only adds some “cheekiness” and not to pass off as super lively.

Drugstore : Revlon PhotoReady Cream Blush

I chose a cream blush because it’s much easier to blend and a small amount would go a long way. Be careful not to overdo it though, or else you’ll end up like a joker. Not cool. Any color is fine, but steer clear from bright ones, a subtle and light color is much better! It’s $10.39 and comes in 3 colors!

High end : Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush

This blush gives a nice glow and there are many colors that are suitable for this look. I specially recommend the coral one, just because it’s so feminine and pretty! It’s $26 and comes in a range of 8 colors to choose from!

{ BRONZER }

To give that sun-kissed glow and an illusion (if you don’t have) of high cheek bones that Olivia has, bronzers can do well in contouring and making it seem like you’ve spent a fair amount of time under the sun!

Drugstore : Rimmel Natural Bronzer

This gives a warm glow and helps make you look naturally tanned. Apply it near the bottom of your cheekbones to make that area “sink in” and allow your cheekbones to stand out. It’s only $5.49 and comes in 2 shades to suit your skin tone!

High end : The Balm Bahama Mama Bronzer

This is a matte bronzer and the product can be layered so that you can get your perfect look. Plus point, the packaging is really cute! It’s $19 on beauty.com

{ LIP PRODUCT }

Last but not least, lippies can help complete the whole look. For her kind though, a sheer lippy with minimal amounts of gloss and a natural pink is needed!

Drugstore : L’Oreal Colour Riche Caresse Wet Shine Stain

This is hydrating and is a mix between a gloss and a stain. Rose on and On and Pink Perseverance are the only 2 colors recommended because the rest are too bright and they stand out too much when applied. Pink Perseverance might be a little too pinky on some as well. It’s $9.99 and is available in 12 shades!

High end : Yves Saint Laurent Volupte Sheer Candy

This has been highly raved about by Estee and it is pretty sheer, suitable for the look we’re going for. It is light and gives great hydration too. It’s $32 on sephora.com and there are 12 shades available. I would recommend Tasty Raspberry (above), Dewy Papaya and Juicy Grapefruit as they’re slight pink and almost nude. The rest are a little too dark!

 

Now, spritz on Daisy by Marc Jacobs because it’s a very feminine and pleasant scent.

Outfit : Floral dresses or maxi dresses will do well, along with flats. A pair of simple earrings or necklace will work too, don’t overdo on accessories though! A mini sling bag would look good.

Keep your hairdo simple, either let it down with a little bit of curls or tie it up into a simple ponytail.

I hope you have benefitted from this inspired look and there’ll be many more to come!

Disclaimer : I was not paid by any company to do this, it’s my own honest opinion and something I think would work. It’ll be pretty sweet to be paid LOL but hey, free advertising anyone? Plus these items have caught my eye so well done to the companies who made them!
Also! All the photos aren’t mine and no copyright was intended. Everything mentioned was found on drugstore.com as beauty.com unless stated.

Stay tuned for my next post!

HINT : It’ll be about beginner’s makeup.

Jennifer Carpenter Inspired Makeup

I was just lounging on the couch, and Dexter came on. I didn’t feel like moving to get the remote so I could change the channel, so I stayed on. This led me to Jennifer Carpenter, more known as Debra Morgan on Dexter.

She has a unique beauty. Some might think that her nose is a little odd, some might think that she’s ugly. (That came out on the google search! I think she’s gorgeous.) SO! I got really inspired to do her kind of look.

She has a really sporty, athletic and fresh look. Something that can suit girls leaning towards the “Tom boy” side, that they can use it everyday. It exudes a youthful glow and makes it seem like a natural, pure beauty.

{ FOUNDATION }

A foundation with a dewy finish is needed, obviously, so here are 2 options!

Drugstore : Neutrogena Healthy Skin foundation.

It’s being sold on drugstore.com at $13.99 with 12 shades to choose from!

High end : NARS Sheer Glow

Currently available on beauty.com , $44 with a wide selection of 20 shades to choose from.

Tip ; if you can’t find the shade right for you, it’d be a good idea to mix 2 shades together and get the perfect color.

If any of them don’t suit you, leave a comment below and I’ll tell you other options to choose from.

{HIGHLIGHTER} optional

In case you’re using a foundation that does not leave a dewy finish, and maybe a satin or matte finish, don”t fret! Highlighters will come to your rescue.

Drugstore : e.l.f studio baked highlighter

This is being sold on eyeslipsface.com at $3 per highlighter. Isn’t that a steal? There’s 3 shades to choose from.

High end : The Balm Mary-Lou Manizer

This a great highlighter! Really shimmery, but there isn’t too much glitter till it comes out chunky and pre-school like. It’s sold on beauty.com for $24. For the price you’re paying, I think it’s worth it.

{BRONZER}

for that sporty look, you don’t really need a blush because you’re under the sun a lot and you’ll get the sun-kissed glow. Bronzers somehow give off that tan look and contours your face well, and can be used for contouring. Cheekbones anyone?

Drugstore : Rimmel Sun Shimmer Shimmering Maxi Bronzer

This has some highlight infused in the bronzer, which can add extra shimmer to your face. $6.79 at drugstore.com with other designs to choose from, why another get it?

High end : Jouer Mineral Powder Bronzer

This has been highly-raved by essiebutton, and I have not tried it before, but I trust her taste! When she used it, it wasn’t too light and neither was it too dark, it was enough to give a sun-kissed glow and contour the cheeks to make it look like you spent more time in the sun than you actually did! $28 at beauty.com with 2 shades available!

{LIP PRODUCTS}

For lips, it has to be something sheer and nothing too bright that might turn those lips into statement lips. The whole face is a neutral palette, so a slight tint on the lips can work.

Drugstore : L’Oreal Colour Riche Le Balm

This shade is in Rose Elixir, and honestly, after looking at all the colors, everything would work well except Caramel Comfort and Pink Satin. One’s too nude while the other is too pink. It’s only $7.95 on drugstore.com and it is my current holy grail lip product. Moisturizing while leaving a fairly glossy finish and providing a sheer color. Love in a tube!

High end : Dior Addict Lip Glow

Another product that has been highly raved by Estée, and I must say, after seeing how it looks on the lips, it suits the look we’re going for, perfectly. Not too girly and it’s just awesome. $31 on sephora.com , it may be a little pricey, but for the packaging and product, there isn’t much to complain about.

{EYESHADOW}

Since everything is neutral, the eyeshadow color also has to be neutral. Light browns, taupe and bronze are recommended.

drugstore : CoverGirl Eye Enhancers 4 Kit Eyeshadows ; Pure Romance

This provides the perfect color that’s needed to create her eyeshadow look. The middle two colors can be used as a base and the darker of the 2 can be the contour color. Highlight at the browbone can also be used! It’s $4.26 at drugstore.com

High end : NARS Duo Eyeshadow ; All About Eve

These 2 colors are one of the best to create the look she has. Neutral, not too shimmery either. Available on beauty.com at $34!

{EYEBROWS}

Because Jennifer has full eyebrows, it is essential to fill in ours (if they’re sparse) so they can frame the face as well as hers.

Drugstore : e.l.f eyebrow kit

This has one side that is wax, and the other is a powder. The powder can be used to set the wax once you’re done and the kit also comes with an angled brush and a sponge tip brush for easily application. It’s only $3 and is available at either drugstore.com or eyeslipsface.com

High end : Anastasia Brow Powder Duo

This is almost the exact same color as the e.l.f one, but Anastasia Beverly Hills is known for their brow products, so I personally think that their brow powder will fit in perfectly with your brows, as if they’re real. $23 on beauty.com with 4 different shades!

{MASCARA}

Since the whole face is neutral, there is a slightly greater emphasis on the eyes and thus a mascara with great volumizing and lengthening properties is needed.

Drugstore : Revlon Grow Luscious Lash Potion

This lengthens the lashes well and plus the packaging is so eccentric. A little outer-spacey with dreamy mixed together, neat! Only $7.99 on drugstore.com , what are you waiting for?

Hugh end : Benefit They’re Real Mascara

With all the great reviews I’ve heard, this must be one hell of a mascara. I saw some “swatches” on google and my, my, this mascara volumizes and lengthens the lashes till they seem fake. not that it’s a bad thing, but there’s a huge difference when this is used and when it isn’t. Great to emphasize the eyes! $23 on sephora.com a HUGE steal for the product that you’re buying!

last but not least… {EYELINER}

To add extra mystery and a more sexy and sultry look, opt for an eyeliner that can define the eyes, and create a smokey effect as well.

Drugstore : Physicians Formula Mineral Eyeliner Pencil

Eyeliner on one end, smudger on the other. You can first define the eye and straw a thick strong line along the area near the lashes and use the smudger to blend out everything and create a soft smokey effect before defining the eyes again, if needed. It’s $6.99 on drugstore.com and there’s 2 shades available!

High end : LORAC Eyeliner Pencil

this is almost the same thing as the Physicians Formula one, just that it isn’t really a pencil pencil that you sharpen, but an eyeliner that’s shaped in a pencil. Get my point? It’s creamier and will glide on a tad easier compared to the drugstore version. $18 at beauty.com with 2 shades available!

Now, throw on a blazer or a plaid button up shirt, accompanied with a simple hairdo, you’re good to go!

Also, don’t forget to spritz on some perfume, nothing too girls though!

I hoped you benefitted from this post and stay tuned for another inspired look that will be posted really soon! (Hint : she acted in Tron Legacy!)

Makeup haul {Part 2}

I finally have lighting good enough for the pictures I need to do a review and pretty pictures always look good on a blog!

{1} CoverGirl Lash Blast Clump Crusher Mascara

It’s my first time seeing a mascara that has a green color packaging, green is my favorite color and this is one of the nicest shades of green. Win!
This claims to “deliver 200% more volume with zero clumps for beautifully separated lashes.” I’m not exactly sure whether I agree to that statement because my lashes weren’t separated, however they were looooong. I was so shocked when I applied it because my lashes were 1.5 times the original length. But somehow my lashes felt so stuck together and weird, perhaps I needed an eyelash curler before using it. But then again, I don’t like using eyelash curlers because I feel as though they destroy my lashes. Imagine the constant pressure on them, they’ll become brittle!

The wand has a curved shape, most probably to flare the eyelashes further. I think I might use it once I get an eyelash curler, but not too much. I love my natural lashes!

{2} e.l.f beauty book

From the “beauty school” I personally think that it’s a little like a dupe for the naked basics palette. Just that they include instructions on how to use the colors. There’s an eyelid primer and eyeliner as well.

This would be really handy if it only came in a smaller packaging. It’s a little too bulky and too much of a trouble to lug it around everywhere. But the shades are good and pigmented, I can see myself using it in the future!

{3} e.l.f clear gloss, brow and lash mascara

I just picked this up because I needed to arrange and keep my brows in shape. Oh and I just plucked them too! They were growing near the brow bone and eyelid, how gross.

{4} L’Oreal Color Riche Balm in Heavenly Berry

This shade is pretty similar to the Revlon Lip Butter in Berry Smoothie, just less glitter. And this has to be my current holy grail lip product. It smells amazing a little like a strawberry cupcake. I can almost eat the whole chunk of balm, almost. When applied, it gives a really sheer pink color and it is absolutely moisturizing to the lips. Unlike the lip butter, this leaves a glossy finish, where’s the lip butter is more towards the glitter gloss finish. I have been using this all the time when I go out, love it and highly recommended!

However when I received it, the product seemed to be a little off compared to what it’s supposed to look like.

{5} e.l.f tinted lip balm in pink.

A decent product, nothing much to rave about. It leaves a minty feeling just moments after application. The pink can be a little too pigmented though. Plus point? The color on the packaging is really similar to that of the real product.

{6} e.l.f volumizing and lengthening waterproof mascara

The amount of product seems really little! Such a small tube… The wand is fairly big

but somehow doesn’t make my lashes all stick together. However when applied on the lashes on my right eye, it feels so sticky and and it’s annoying when I blink. Other than that, it flares my eyelashes a little and gives a little confidence boost.

That’s all I have for now! Too many would get boring. I can’t actually wait to get more items in October where I can spend my $30+ in drugstore dollars, joy!!

In the mean time, stay cool and wait for my other posts!

HOORAH

My items from e.l.f has finally arrived! Waited for about a month. I couldn’t even remember what I bought, so it was a pretty great surprise when I saw what I had.
Get ready for a haul post! Though it won’t be soon since I’m waiting for items I bought when they had their 50% off sale.

Here’s a mini sneak peak!

Bad lighting + messy table.

Can’t wait to try them out and tell you what I feel about them.

Stay here and hear from me soon! x