Drugstore Cosmetic Favorites!

Hey Guys! Today I wanted to share with you some of my makeup go-to's from the drugstore. I would say I use a pretty good combination of both drugstore and high end cosmetics. For my eyeshadows I typically gravitate towards MAC cosmetics just because I know the quality and pigment is always on point. I am also in love with Make Up Forever's powders!

But let's get back to the cheap inexpensive portion of the program..

Revlon 24Hr Color Stay Foundation 

First things first. You need a good foundation. If you like full coverage (without looking cakey) but want your makeup to last, this is awesome. I have pretty oily skin so the combination/oily version works wonders for me and it seems to really stay in place (I don't know about the whole ''24 hr" thing, but you shouldn't be wearing your makeup that long anyway!) I find once I set this with a good powder, I don't really need any touch-ups throughout the day. I have even talked to makeup artists who swear by this drugstore gem:)

*Under $10 at Walmart

e.l.f Studio Eyebrow Kit

If you don't color in your brows, you probably should be. Nothing compliments your face more then  beautifully sculpted brows. This kit is actually a great dupe for Smashbox's brow kit but is only $3.00!! On the left you have the wax to shape your brows, and on the right you use the powder to fill in your brows. (Don't go overboard!) You can either use the tiny brush it comes with, or you purchase a separate angled brow brush for easy application

*$3.00 at Target

N.Y.C Liquid Eyeliner

For the longest time I was using Mac's felt tip liquid liner, but it was a challenge to get a perfectly thin line. I bought this NYC eyeliner on a whim (since it was cheap) and O.M.G. this is the EASIEST liner to apply ever!! With one quick swoop you achieve the perfect thin wing. Just trust me and try it. 

Under $5 at Walmart

N.Y.C. Mosaic Face Power Color Wheel

Another one of my N.Y.C. favs is the Mosaic Color Wheel. I use this for a natural glow without looking like a carrot. I'm not sure if this is supposed to act as a bronzer, but that is what I like to use it for. My favorite thing about this powder is that it's matte and has absolutely NO SHIMMER. As previously mentioned, I am pretty oily, so I try to avoid anything with any type of shimmer (which is a challenge in itself) I used to use Bare Mineral's Warmth powder, but if over-applied, you run the risk of looking dirty. (gross) 

Under $5 at Walmart 

L'Oreal's Volumious False Fiber Lashes in Black Lacquer

Maybelline Falsies Macara in Black Drama

For mascara it's pretty much a toss-up between these two. I love L'Oreal's product for extra length, but I also enjoy how thick Maybelline's mascara make my eyelashes appear. One thing I don't like is that the L'Oreal does seem to dry up quicker :( 

*Both Under $10 at Ulta Beauty

Rimmel London Exaggerate Lip Liner in Eastend Snob

For the perfectly pink lips, this is my everyday go-to. I just think this shade is the right nude for every skin tone and is great for that over exaggerated Kylie Jenner look. Wear it beneath a sheer gloss or let it stand alone. 

*Under 6 at Target

Try not to get caught up in all that hype about having the best of the best. Yes, it is a good idea to invest in some higher end products, especially for a special event or occasion. But you can still be beautiful, even on a budget ;)

Stay classy!

Xx,

                                           

How to Get the Perfect Winged Liner

Oh my goodness, I have been SLACKING in the blogging department. Sorry! Anyway, I have recently been asked by a few people to post a blog about how to achieve the perfect winged liner. I came across this great diagram (better than anything I could ever make) and it's a perfect demonstration of the easiest way to get this look. 

                 
     http://rockettqueen.tumblr.com/post/54267437587/winged-eyeliner-pictorial-steps

When doing your liner it's always important to start from the outside and work your way in toward the eye. (towards your nose) 
1. First make a very small line angled toward the end of your eyebrow.
2. Next connect that line to the outer corner of your eye.
3. After that you can connect that line to the inner corner of your eye and setting desired "thickness"

** the bigger the eyes you have the thicker the line you can can have. However, if you have smaller eyes, then you may wanna make your liner much thinner so it doesn't over power the shape of you eye. I have very small eyes, so sometimes I like to draw my liner in, only to about the  middle of my eye and not drag it all the way in towards the corner of my eye. I think it make my eyes open up more.

Here's an example of how I do my liner.

You can achieve this look using any type of liquid or gel liner that you prefer. I personally use Mac's liquid liner in"boot black" which is a felt-tip liner that lasts FOR-EV-ER! (seriously, like almost a year) 

Some may find it easier to use gel liner and for this I would recommend Maybelline's "Eye Studio." With gel liner the key is to make sure you have a very small angled brush. 

I believe this liner comes with a brush but if you don't like it then here are some other examples of what you should look for. 

                                     

Most importantly.. PRACTICE, PRACTICE , PRACTICE! No one ever gets it right the first time. I, myself struggle to get it perfect but the more and more you play with it, the more it will become effortless. 

Cheers, dolls!
Xx,

How To Clean Your Makeup Brushes With Household Items

They're something we use almost every single day and probably the most neglected..OUR MAKEUP BRUSHES!

I admit it. I, myself, have a tendency to forget to wash my makeup brushes from time to time. Which, if you think about it, is kinda nasty because of how easily they can collect bacteria and then we rub them on our clean faces and near our eyes. This can cause breakouts or even eye infections.

I'm trying to get in the habit of washing my brushes once every two weeks, or at least once a month. Plus, every time you give them a good deep cleaning, it's as if you have a whole new set of brushes! I used to just wash my brushes with some of my regular face wash, then I tried using actual brush cleaner (Bare Minerals) but even after I did that, it still seemed as if there was makeup residue that just didn't wanna budge.

Then one day, while on set of a commercial, a makeup artist gave me a super helpful tip to try using olive oil. So I went home and tried this concoction that I'm sure some of you may have already heard of, but if not, get ready for the magic!

Things you will need:
1. Olive Oil (Extra Virgin Olive Oil will work too)
2. Dish Soap
3. Face Wash
4. Mixing Bowl or Plate
5. Dry Paper Towel

Step 1:
In a small mixing bowl add one capful of Olive Oil, 2 pumps of dish soap and I added one pump of my face wash, just for more anti-bacterial fighting power!

Step 2: 
Mix dirty brush in cleaning solution and then rub the brush back and forth on the palm of your hand. Continue to scrub and rinse clean under sink until the water runs clear. Be sure to be extra gentle when scrubbing goat hair brushes, as the hairs could fall out.

Step 3:
Rinse under HOT water to kill any left over bacteria and to melt any makeup buildup left behind.

Step 4:
Reshape damp brushes with finger tips and lay on a paper towel to dry. (preferably overnight)

Here's an example of just how effective this technique is. This is my FAVORITE foundation brush from Sigma that I can never seem to get clean, until now! 

This picture may not do justice, but the bristles on the right are white again, like the day I bought the brush.

This is a great way of maintaining your brushes, especially for those who invest in expensive ones. The olive oil keeps your brushes conditioned and soft, while the soap fights any bacteria and keeps them nice and clean :)

Cheers, dolls!
Xx,