Showing posts with label Makeup Looks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Makeup Looks. Show all posts

3.23.2017


"Bloom where you are planted"

Glo Minerals has been so generous to me over the years and I have written honestly about my appreciation for both their makeup and skin products. This collection for Spring '17 is right up there with my favorites. It's called Full Bloom and is one of three limited edition color collections, with a nod towards metallic blends and peach tones. Because I have light skin but dark features, the collection really enhances my lips, cheeks, and eye color.

The kit includes:
Cream blush in Fig
Full Bloom eye shadow quad  - harvest, suede, mahogany, and dusk
Cream shadow stick in Keepsake (which I already own)
Gloss in Pueblo

Price: $58


Each kit comes with a card that explains how to apply each of the products, so for the purpose of this post, I decided to follow the directions on the back. I used the entire cream shadow stick all over my lid, and even dabbed a bit on my brow bones and blended it out. I then applied all four of the shadows on my lids, using the dark dusk color as a liner. As usual, the shadows are all finely milled, pigmented but easy to blend, and very soft. They also have a satin finish, which I prefer. Matte can look too drying, while shimmer can look too tween so satin is the perfect in-between.



However my favorite products from the collection are the cream blush in Fig, and the gloss in Pueblo. The blush gave me pause because it looks so dark in the pan, but it really comes across as the perfect peachy glow. And the gloss! The gloss is non-sticky, moisturizing, and the perfect peach. It's my first go at trying either of these products from the line but it won't be my last.


When I think of Spring makeup, words like "fresh", "youthful", and "glow" come to mind. I like my makeup and clothing to match all of the beautiful greenery and colorful flowers around me. I think it's safe to say that this kit encompasses these quite nicely, and you'll be seeing this look on my face a lot! As usual, Glo was kind enough to send me these products but all opinions are my own.

How do you like to switch up your makeup for Spring?

9.24.2015

Glo Minerals sent these products to me for consideration. I am in no way being compensated by the company, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. 



I've been a fan of Glo Minerals since they sent me the products featured in this post. I especially love the Moisture Tint, and wear it almost every day during the work week. I also love it during my trips to the beach for some added sun protection on top of my regular sunscreen. When I was contacted by them again to see if I wanted to test out a few more of their makeup and skincare line, I happily agreed. 


Blush in Bellini (soft rose)
Cream Glaze Crayon in Mimosa (soft peach coral)
Matte Suede Lip Crayon in Sorbet (bright fuchsia)
Cream Glaze Lip Crayon in Bloom (beautiful pink)

I have been wearing the blush in Bellini every single day for three weeks. It gives the prettiest color to my cheeks, and it really lifts the face and provides a healthy glow. It's neutral enough that I can wear it with any eye or lip color. It has a slight subtle sheen, but it's mostly matte once applied.


The lip crayons are exactly what I've been searching for. These are what I wish other brands would be formulated as, but unfortunately are not. I've wasted so much money on waxy pencils that just don't last. These actually stain the lips, so depending on how dramatic I want my lip color to be, I either draw them on for an intense dose of color, or I dab them on using my fingers to diffuse the color so it looks more natural. Either way, if there is one shade I'd recommend, it is Bloom. It's extremely wearable, but still a fun "pop". They also aren't as drying as other jumbo lip crayons I've owned (and consequently thrown away). 


Mimosa, Sorbet, Bloom


I was actually the most thrilled to try two of their skincare products from their Therapeutics line. You ladies know that I'm all about skin, and am a huge believer that it's crucial to take care of it now before it's too late. My skin isn't perfect by any means, but I have noticed a difference since using these two products, especially the serum at night. Even Nate has been using it! 
The pure hydration is a light-weight moisturizer designed for daytime. It feels like a gel, and it sinks right into the skin without any leftover greasy feeling. I may need something heavier once the weather changes, but this is perfect for California's warm climate. 

The renew serum is my absolute favorite now, and I got it just time as another oil I was using was running out. This goes on thick, and it almost has a slight sticky film that you can feel for a couple of minutes after smoothing it on. I like to concentrate on my cheeks and between my eyebrows since I have fine lines forming there. The smell is a bit off putting at first (it kind of smells like a cross between candy and medicine which is odd) but once I got past the initial scent, I actually have grown to like it. I will definitely repurchase after it's gone. It leaves my skin feeling supple and plumped. 


Eyes, cheeks, and lips by Glo Minerals (as seen on my birthday dinner)
Lips in the colors Bloom mixed with Sorbet

Get a 15% discount at checkout when you use the promo code BEAUTYGIRL24. Trust me, these products are worth it. I'm eyeing more lip crayons and more skincare products.

Have you heard of or tried anything from this company? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

4.24.2013





I went for a makeup consultation last weekend and the artist did such a beautiful job :) She came highly recommended by a good friend who also used her for her wedding. I had a few key requests in mind:
  • I want my wedding makeup to be dewy and glowy - that "lit from within" look. Of course, I don't want to shine like a disco queen but I think that natural makeup will be perfect for the beach. It will also photograph well.
  • I definitely want to play up my eyes for a slightly smokey look.
  • I want an overall natural and neutral look, but I still want to appear a bit glam. It is my wedding day after all! I want to look like my best possible self.
Here are the pictures I brought to the consultation:



I was pretty set on using a lot of my own makeup products, especially my Makeup Forever foundations and Nars Orgasm blush. However, after looking through the artist's work and just by meeting her in person, I instantly felt comfortable with letting her do her thing. She has a lot of experience and does weddings on a regular basis. She mainly works with MAC cosmetics.

I can't list all of the products she used on me, but I can let you in on some.
  •  She did airbrushing not only on the face, but also on the chest area. She also used it to contour the planes of my face. I am not sure what foundation she used, but I believe it might have been MAC face and body.
  • She lightly filled in my brows with a shadow.
  • She used colors like Espresso and Girlie on my eyes. She started light, and then allowed me to check it out in a giant mirror. She gradually went a bit darker until I was happy with the level of shadow. She also used Espresso to line them instead of black.
  • Lots of mascara and false lashes, although the lashes she used will not be the same kind as on my wedding day.
  • For lips, she lined them in Soar and then used Viva Glam 5. I'm still unsure if that's the lipstick I want to use. I'm skipping gloss because the beach will undoubtedly be windy and I don't want a sandy mess! My friend suggested using a lip stain underneath the liner and lipstick.
It was such a fun but unexpected experience because there was a bridal expo taking place and we had an audience! I was definitely shy, but everyone was so sweet and most of the girls there were also getting married and wanted to use her for the big day.

 What do you girls think? I appreciate any input!
♥ Noelle

6.27.2012

When the temps rise, I think the last thing we all want to do is wear a ton of makeup. I generally wear less makeup in the Summer then I do in the colder months, but I love the look of bronzed skin, flushed cheeks, and fruit-colored lips. There is nothing sexier! The key is to use a light hand, apply plenty of sunscreen, and focus on a dewy glow rather then caking on powder. It's going to get hot, so don't fight it! Just go with it! Let your natural skin show, let your hair down. Use a setting spray like Urban Decay's All Nighter to seal in your makeup, and when possible (like on weekends), let your hair air-dry. The beauty of Summer is ease and simplicity; I do admit that I look more like myself this time of year :)

I went through my beauty stash last night, and there are some obvious colors and products that I use on a frequent basis now that I have a light tan. Here are some favorites, but I suggest using any products  you may have that are similar in color. Think bronze, gold, warm browns, and taupes for eyes. Watermelon, coral, hot pink, and peach for lips.

Top: Revlon Colorburst l/s in Fuchsia, Bare Escentuals eye glimmer in True Gold, Revlon Just Bitten Balm Stain in Lovesick
Bottom: Inglot eyeshadow. I'm so sorry, I don't know the number. It is a very stark gold, with a copper finish.

I love yellow gold or copper eyes and bright pink lips. Gorgeous!


Buxom lip cream in White Russian, MAC plushglass in Fashion Fanatic, and NARS duo in Rajasthan.

You can never go wrong with a lip plumping gloss. These feel minty and cool, very refreshing on a sweltering day! Pair them with lighter smoky shadow for a great evening look.



Lancome Rouge in Love lipstick in Corail in Love, MAC mega metal shadow in Dalliance.

It's no secret that Corail in Love is my favorite coral. I like to dab it on and press it into my lips for a stained look. A single sweep of pewter shadow and some black liner with mascara is all you need. Easy!


Revlon colorburst lipgloss in Bellini, Revlon Balm Stain in Charm, MAC 3D shadow in Sweet Heat, Burberry shadow in Pale Barley

Peach and bronze are also a very soft and pretty pairing. I wear these to work a lot because they look natural, but still radiant.


Sweet cheeks: NYX body bronzer in Daydream of Lanai and MAC Hipness blush.

I use both as blush. They contain a good bit of shimmer, so although I swear by Dior's Amber Diamond (and highly recommend that), you don't need it with these.



Lastly, I just bought these two UD single shadows over the weekend. I think they are both in the Naked 2 palette, but correct me if I'm wrong. I can't wait to try these taupes with pink lips.
Verve and Stray Dog


What are your Summer makeup colors/products?
♥ Noelle


4.18.2012

I couldn't be happier that it's Spring. That means that Summer is right around the corner! I love all of the ripe, juicy colors that makeup companies put out around this time of year. There's nothing as fun and youthful than hot pink toes, coral cheeks, and bronzed skin (of the fake variety of course. Always wear your sunscreen girls)! After Fall and Winter's dark moody colors, Springtime breathes new life into me.

I've accrued some great Spring and Summer items that I consider essential. Some of them I've had since last year, and some are brand new. Here are my top picks to keep you looking glowy and fresh.




Maybelline Color Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze & Chanel Illusion D' Ombre in Epatant


Bronzer!




Bright Nails!



What are some of your Spring beauty picks?

♥ Noelle

10.17.2011

Summer makeup is unabashedly minimalistic. Throw on some bronzer and pink gloss and you're good to go. As easy as this is, by the end of Summer I'm tired of minimalism. I want glamour. What better way to pump up the volume than with dramatic Fall makeup.

Some looks to try:



 Smoky shadow and lots of liner and mascara. Sexy and alluring - perfect for Fall.






A colorful eye and next to nothing cheeks and lips.



 Defined cheeks. I love deep tawny's, mauves, and berries this time of year. It's difficult to put my pretty corals away, but Fall calls for something more dramatic.



And my personal favorite:

Dark red and wine lips. So pretty!

{images c/o Allure and Google}


Do you wear a bit more makeup in the colder months? What are you dying to try this season?
 
♥ Noelle

11.19.2010

When I first started this little blog, I was all about smokey eyes and nude lips. In fact, you couldn't possibly get my lips near a bright colored lipstick. "It just doesn't look right" I often said. I have naturally fuller lips. A blessing some would argue, but I used to be terribly self'conscious about them. I felt like they overwhelmed my other features so I picked out lighter, softer looking lipsticks and glosses in order to downplay them. If you have read my blog for awhile, you know I have quite a vast array of "pinky nudes." Pinky nudes are makeup's version of a squishy down comforter or an oversized sweatshirt. In a word - comfortable. Safe. I know I can slap on my pinky nudes whenever I please and I also know that it will look "right" on me.

However...

I'm feeling an evolution Readers, and it's coming fast! This season, I have a dirty little confession to make: I'm tired of the pinky nudes and have jumped into Fall and Winter's hottest makeup trend: colorful kissers. I believe Glamour Magazine called it "Serious Lipstick."



My tiny stash of serious lipsticks. Not for the faint of heart I suppose.
Left to Right: Revlon Matte Lipstick in Strawberry Suede, Revlon Colorburst in Raspberry, and MAC Lustre lipstick in See Sheer.

See Sheer was previously seen on me here:
This lipstick is a daily product for me. It plays to my subtle lip sensibilities. It's red, but extremely sheer and wearable. I will repurchase over and over.


Raspberry by Revlon. It has color, but if dabbed on still is also very wearable. I like to layer it over See Sheer. It also makes teeth look white!


Strawberry Suede by Revlon. This one's tricky! This one's fierce. But it isn't for the faint of heart. I definitely dab this one on, blot, then apply some balm. I orginally saw this featured on Cupcakes and Cashmere, and since I love Emily, I decided to be brave and give it a try.


Don't forget my lipstain post. I think stains are perfect for those of you who aren't fully into the bright lips. I'm still getting used to it myself!

My inspirations:








All over the Spring 2011 runways, expect this trend to stick around.
So, what do you girls think? Fun, flirty, pretty? Or too much?
♥ Noelle

10.22.2010

Before I begin this post, I just want to thank all of you who commented on my last post from Wednesday. I truly appreciate the kind words of encouragement and support, and I know that many of you are either experiencing similar situations or have in the past (and have survived the madness!) This is why I love blogging. It's such a great way to interact with others from different parts of the world, and really, we all have common problems in some form or another. So...THANK YOU AGAIN!

I've definitely been under the weather the past week. I have barely had the energy to get dressed in the morning and have spent the majority of my time in bed. It's been fun to catch up on t.v., blogs, and YouTube, but I am really looking forward to feeling better and leaving the house! I think I have a head cold, because it started out as a sore throat and now it's all concentrated in my nose. I know, it's gross. Sorry! Anyway, I did manage to look semi normal, albeit not until six in the evening yesterday.

Here are some beauty products I use when I'm not feeling well, but still have to look presentable:
From Left to Right:
1) A good moisturizer is always a must when feeling sick. The weather here has been cloudy, rainy, and cold so a good facial lotion is a must regardless. But when I'm sick, my skin gets extra dry and flaky. My combination skin turns completely dry! I like Clinique's Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel, because it soaks right in and is moisturizing without feeling too heavy or greasy. I have used this stuff since I was eighteen and I love it even more now than I did then.

2) I usually skip foundation when I'm sick and just use a light tinted moisturizer instead. The one I have used for awhile now is by Korres, and it smells like watermelons! It's the perfect amount of lightweight coverage.

3) A little bit of blush and bronzer to brighten up the complexion is vital. I look extra pale when I get sick, and this ELF blush and bronzer duo has enough sheen and shimmer to make me look a little less like a zombie.

4) Concealer! This is the most important in my opinion. I get really red around my mouth and nose when I'm battling a cold. I use the green tinted concealer in the bottom left corner of this Sonia Kashuk concealer palette to cover the redness. I might sneeze it off, but it's sort of like a security blanket while i'm out in public.

5) EOS lip balm is my savior! My lips have been chapped all week (cuz I can't really breathe through my nose, so I breathe through my mouth). This causes lots of dryness, and lip balm feels so good when you're sick with a cold.

~Honorable Mention~ Any type of eye brightening shadow to enhance the eyes and bring some light to the face. I like All That Glitters, Grand Entrance, or Naked Lunch all by MAC. Just a quick sweep over the entire eye makes a big difference.



This was me forcing a smile last night. I wore everything I mentioned above, plus mascara and eyeliner. A GIANT MISTAKE! A few minutes after this, I started sneezing like crazy and the eyeliner wound up everywhere. So, I suggest skipping liner, especially on the bottom lash line. I'm just a creature of habit, so I lined them anyway but I don't recommend it. Just keep everything clean and simple.

Other under-the-weather must haves: Vitamin C, Water, some type of OTC cold medication to alleviate symptoms, a warm blanket, fashion mags, and if brave enough, a sweet loving BF to cuddle with. Just don't sneeze or cough on him ;) Have a great weekend everyone! I'll be back next week, hopefully feeling back to normal! ♥ Noelle

6.02.2010

Ok, so this "face of the day" is pitiful. This awful attempt at showcasing a makeup look reconfirms my sentiment that my Kodak camera needs to go buh-bye. It's great at taking pictures of inanimate objects, but not so great at capturing people. The focus is pretty decent, but the lighting settings are so irritating to work with! When I use the flash setting, everyone looks ghostly and washed out. When I don't use a flash, the picture comes out way too dark and drab. Hence, my lack of face closeups over the past year that I've been blogging about beauty (and fashion ♥). I promised you guys I would do a look using my new products from MAC's To the Beach collection and I swear I tried. I really promise I did. I seriously took, like, 100 photos when I got home from work yesterday and discovered my Hipness blush had arrived in the mail. Then the sun started to set and I thought "to heck with it!" I know you have seen swatches, and I'm pretty sure many of you own these very same products already, so you get the idea of how gorgeous this collection is. The blush and the Marine Life powder are quite pigmented. Hipness is a pinky-coral, while the powder is a redish -coral. I used both products to layer on my cheeks. I did the same with Splashing and Easy Lounger Lipglosses.

So this is the best I could do. You can kind of see the contour of the blushes mixed together, as well as the pretty, shiny lipglasses.
Face: L'oreal Magic Perfecting Primer
MUFE Mat Velvet +
Sonia Kashuk Hidden Agenda Concealer Palette
Korres Bronzer in Sunglow Light
Cheeks: MAC To the Beach Blush in Hipness
MAC Marine Life Highlight Powder
Eyes: UD Primer Potion
NYX eyeshadow in Sahara all over the lid
MAC shadow in Woodwinked in the crease
MAC shadow in Dazzlelight as a highlight
UD 24/7 Pencil in Bourbon
CG LashBlast
Lips: MAC To the Beach Lipglasses in Splashing and Easy Lounger layered.

So from now on, I'll leave the face close-ups to the beauty bloggers with great cameras! Hopefully I get a new one for my birthday in a few months :)

Happy Wednesday!

5.21.2010



While getting ready for the night, I decided to take some pictures of my favorite lip combination for Spring and Summer. I remember at this time last year, the it-color for my lips was pink.


With Flash


True To Life (No Flash)



MAC Lipstick in Dressmaker, Dressmaker and Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss in Peach Petal.

Warning: Peach Petal is really, really pale on its own, almost like a lip eraser. I was tempted to return it once I got it home. But, combine it with another peach or coral lipstick and its true peachy undertones come out. I love the look paired with bronze eye shadow and coral cheeks. The whole effect is glowy and fresh, which is always the goal I try to achieve when I do my makeup.

What lip combination are you loving?

11.01.2009

I decided to be a sailor girl this year, the same as last year ;) I honestly didn't have much time to get a costume together because I have been crazy busy with school. But I had a great Halloween with the best friend anyways. I unfortunately didn't take many pictures, only one actually! I wanted to post this mainly for Crystal's Halloween contest! I love her blog, and I'm sure you do too:
http://www.lipglossgossip.com/ Good luck to all the entries!



I wanted to go for a pin-up look. I felt sexy with red lips, lol. I usually wear pinky-nudes, so the red lips were a definite change!

Makeup used:

Face~ Clinique perfectly real foundation, NYX compact bronzer in "daydream of lanai", MAC superdupernatural mineral blush, Clinique stay matte powder

Eyes~ UDPP, MAC shadows in all that glitters, era, and grand entrance as a highlighter. Mac Feline eye pencil, CG LashBlast mascara, Ardell false lashes

Lips~ Chapstick, NYC l/s in sheer red, Sephora l/g in bronzed beauty

Hope you all had a great weekend!

8.02.2009


Another easy, very natural look!
Products used:
~ Foundation: Clinique perfectly real makeup
~ Cheeks: NARS orgasm blush
~ Eyes: Bare Escentuals eye glimmer in "Queen Tiffany" all over lid, MAC Naked Lunch as a highlight, Clinique Quickliner in New Black, and CG Lashblast mascara
~ Lips: Cherry Chapstick
~ Korres bronzer in "Sunglow Light" all over face and down the neck

* My next look will be more fun, I promise! The hot weather calls for less makeup, so I have been using very minimal products lately

7.23.2009


Products used (super simple!)
~Foundation: Clinique perfectly real makeup
~Cheeks: Improvise blush by M.A.C.
~Eyes: Both by M.A.C. Vanilla pigment all over lid, Copperplate in crease
~Eyeliner: Clinique quickliner in New Black
~Mascara: Cover Girl LashBlast (my fave)
~Lips: Both by M.A.C. Blankety lipstick with Fashion Scoop lipglass on top
That's It!