Favorite Fall Things Tag!

For the month of October, I didn't feel like I had much in the way of favorites. So instead, I decided I would just do a tag of my favorite fall things! I saw that +leighannsays did a video on this, so I thought I would go for it as well.

Fall Beauty Faves

1. Face Product 

• My favorite face product for fall is definitely the color "Fawn" from the Anastasia Contour Kit. It is the perfect shade to really sculpt out your face, and a little goes a long way! "Fawn," which is the lower, middle color in the palette, is just the right neutral tone to contour with, without making you look dirty or orange.

2. Cheek Product

• Wet n Wild's Color Icon Blusher in "Mellow Wine" is one of my favorite blushes year round, but in the fall, it's especially beautiful. It is a gorgeous mauvey pink color that is perfect for brightening up a dull complexion.

3. Eye Product

• I absolutely love my Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Liner in "Blackest Black" during the cooler months of fall. A classic black winged liner is something you can never go wrong with, and this liner stays put! I also love this same formula in "Eggplant" as a subtle pop of color without going too bright.

4. Lip Product

• Currently, the lip product I am in love with is Kit Cosmetic's Lipstick in "Nightwalker." I received this lipstick as a gift from my lovely friend Sarah, and I absolutely love the color and formula! It reminds me quite a bit of Revlon's "Black Cherry," but I much prefer the formula of the Kit lipstick. Unfortunately, this lipstick can only be purchased in Australia. 

5. Hair Product

• To be completely honest, I can't think of any hair products I have been loving recently! Since I've been so busy with school, I've just kind of let my hair do it's thing.

6. Fragrance/Candle

• As always, I adore the Bath & Body Works "Leaves" candle. Although I do have a new favorite this year! The "Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin" candle by Bath & Body Works is absolutely amazing. Unfortunately, I'm not supposed to burn candles in my apartment, so I usually just break up the wax and melt it in my wax burner!

7. Nail Polish

• Like last year, I am still loving my Essie "Vested Interest" nail polish. This was a favorite of mine last October, and I am still absolutely loving it. I also have fallen in love with OCC's "Black Dahlia" nail lacquer, which is this incredible, deep oxblood color!

Fall Fashion Faves

1. Trendy Clothing Item 

• I'm honestly not too big on "trendy" pieces, so I'm struggling to find an answer to this question. I typically stick to more classic clothing pieces so that I can wear them for years to come. I suppose I would have to go with flannels, since they can make such a simple outfit look put together!

2. Comfy Clothing Item

• Basically every hoodie I own! Hoodies are my favorite for the cooler months, since I can just throw it on and run out the door. However, I also adore my black fleece-lined tights. They make literally every outfit so much comfier, since they're almost like wearing fleece pajamas, and go great under skirts, dresses, and even shorts!

3. Shoes

• As gaudy as this may seem, I recently bought a pair of classic Timberlands at my local thrift store, and I am obsessed with them! For one, they're super comfy. Plus, it rains all the time here in North Carolina (not to mention the snow we'll be getting soon), so these are awesome because they are waterproof, non-slip, and pretty warm! And on top of all that, I only paid $10 for these bad boys. 

4. Accessory

• My favorite fall accessory is definitely my classic black Neff beanie. My ears tend to get really cold, really fast, and I find myself wearing this beanie nearly every single day. It goes with any outfit, and keeps my head warm! Not to mention it keeps my hair tame on dry, windy days.

Fun Favorites

1. Halloween or Thanksgiving?

• Halloweeeeeen! Come on, I'm a costume design major. Of course I love Halloween! Plus, I'm not too big on Thanksgiving food. I love coming together with my family, but I don't eat meat, so the whole turkey thing isn't all that great for me. This year for Halloween, I was Alice in Hysteria mode from the video game Alice: Madness Returns! 

2. Favorite festive food and/or drink

• My dad's fudge. Oh, it is absolutely to die for. Technically, it's a Christmas treat, not a fall treat, but I'm gonna make it count anyway! My dad makes the most amazing chocolate fudge (and peanut butter fudge, but I like the chocolate better) and it's just so rich and melt-in-your-mouth amazing! I don't really have a favorite festive drink, since I almost always hate warm drinks.

3. What's the happiest part about fall for you?

• Currently, the leaves! I grew up in a part of the country where the leaves don't really change. We mostly have evergreens in San Diego. Out here, in North Carolina, we have the most beautiful red oak trees, and they turn so many beautiful fall colors that I can hardly stop myself from taking pictures every time I leave the house.

4. Who do you tag?

• I tag anyone who reads this post! Link back to my blog if you decide to do it! :)

And that's it for my fall favorite things! What did you dress up as for Halloween? 

- D.

Five Minutes to Fall

I was browsing the aisles of CVS the other day, and the display for the fall collection by Wet n Wild caught my eye. Of course, it was nearly empty! I decided that was a good sign that I should check it out. The entire collection is just what you would expect from a fall collection -- lots of deep colors with warm undertones. As I was playing with the palette I picked up, "Melrose at Night," I realized just how quick and easy these palettes are for an on-the-go smokey eye! It only took my five minutes to apply the shadows, and this palette is so easy to just throw in your makeup bag and head out there door.

To find this collection near you, Nouveau Cheap has this awesome Interactive Sightings Map that can help you out!

To start this look out, I used the Maybelline Color Tattoo Leather in "Creamy Beige" all over my lids as a base. From here, I moved onto the palette. I used the Wet n Wild Color Icon 5-Pan Eyeshadow Palette in "Melrose at Night," and obviously, completely ignored the labels that were embedded in the shadows. I used the pink "Crease" shade all over my lid, staying under the crease. Then, I mixed the brown "Eyelid" and taupe "Browbown" colors together, and rocked that into the crease lightly. I didn't want the crease to be overly defined, so I made sure to really blend these colors out.

For my liner, I used the blackened purple "Definer" shade (which reminds me so much of "Blackheart" from the Naked 3 palette, by the way) and smudged this along my upper lash line. I also winged it out slightly, pulling the color into the crease and feathering it out. I also used this shade on my lower lashline, then used the creamy "Base" shade to highlight my brow bone as well as the inner corner.

And that's it for the shadow! This palette makes everything so quick and easy. After I finished with the shadows, I tightlined my upper and lower waterline with the L'Oreal HiP Color Chrome Eyeliner in "Black Shock," which was actually my favorite black liner for the majority of high school. Of course, I curled my lashes, then applied one coat of my Maybelline Waterproof The Mega Plush Mascara, followed by my Maybelline The Rocket Mascara.

On my lips, I used the limited edition Mega Last Lipstick in "Sunset Siren." I was so shocked by this lipstick. While I usually love the original Mega Last Lipstick, it does tend to be incredibly drying. The formula of this is still matte, but so much more comfortable on the lips. The texture actually reminds me a lot of the Maybelline The Mattes Lipstick collection that just came out! Because the eye look is so neutral, you can definitely get away with a bold lip, and "Sunset Siren" is perfect for that classic vintage red lip that is always popular around the holidays.

- D. 

Coppery Fall Eyes

Nothing excites me more than being able to bust out the dark lipsticks and nail colors. This fall, I finally get to experience a true change in season! While it still hasn't really changed seasons here, it has been raining quite a lot, and I've been wearing sweaters more often than not. Because of all the rain, I've been inspired to do my first fall look of the year!

For this look, I used primarily Makeup Geek shadows. Because I was planning on using a pigment all over the lid, I waited until I was finished with the eyes to do my foundation.

I started out using "Beaches and Cream" all over the lid, to ensure everything would blend together easily. Then, I went straight in with "Vegas Lights" on a wet flat brush, and painted the foiled pigment all over the mobile lid, stopping at the inner third. While applying "Vegas Lights," I made sure to use a tissue under the eye to catch any potential fall out, to make clean up much easier in the long run. When using this pigment wet, it is much harder to blend out, which is why we used "Beaches and Cream" as a base color. After "Vegas Lights" dried down a bit, I took a fluffy brush and began to blend the edges of the color. If there was any spot that was particularly difficult to blend, I took a mix of "Beaches and Cream" and "Unexpected," and blended it into the crease.

Once I was happy with the blended pigment, I took "Unexpected" on a stiff domed brush and blended this into the crease to add depth to the eye. Because it wasn't coming out quite as deep as I had hoped, I took "Corrupt" on a pencil brush and added it into the outer corner, as well as into the crease. I then took "Cinderella" and filled in the inner third of the lid. To finish off the eyeshadow, I took "Unexpected" on a small pencil brush and blended it along the outer two-thirds of the lower lashline, and placed "Shimma Shimma" on the inner corner and along the inner third of the lower lashline. I also used "Shimma Shimma" lightly under the browbone as a highlight.

To complete the eyes, I took a cotton swab with some makeup remover, and really sharpened the outer edge of the eye makeup, before applying my Maybelline Eye Studio Gel Liner in "Blackest Black" to create a crisp winged liner, which you can find a tutorial for here. I then curled my lashes and applied Maybelline's The Rocket Mascara on both my upper and lower lashes.

Now that the eyes were finished, I moved onto my skin. Before even starting my skin, though, I made sure to wipe off any fall out from the eyes. Then, I used my CoverGirl Outlast 3-in-1 Foundation with my Beauty Blender, to achieve a medium coverage. Blast-from-the-past time, I decided to use my Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer to cover up any darkness under the eyes, and then I used my trusty Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer to conceal any blemishes or redness on my skin. 

For my blush, I brought out another old favorite (as you may be able to tell...it's very well-loved), and used the Wet n Wild Color Icon Blusher in "Mellow Wine." To double up products, I used "Unexpected" in the hollows of my cheeks as a contour shade. On my brows, I used the Anastasia DipBrow Pomade in "Dark Brown." Finally, to really complete this fall look, I used the OCC Matte Lip Tar in "Black Dahlia" all over the lips!

That's it for this look! I couldn't think of a creative title for this, so "Coppery Fall Eyes" will have to do for now. If you can think of a better name for this look, let me know in the comments below!

- D.

Face and Outfit of the Day -- Job Interview Edition

So today, I had my second interview at Sephora (woo hoo!)

I thought that, because Sephora is such a fun place for makeup, I would show you the makeup I wore for the interview, as well as the outfit (which is significantly less exciting, but it may help some of you who are looking for some good professional attire!)

I'll start with my outfit.

We'll go from head to toe! My headband is from Icing. I bought it a few holiday seasons ago so I'm sure they don't have it anymore, but it's just a simple bow headband. It is pretty similar to this headband, though, which is also from Icing. Around my neck is my beloved bow necklace that I actually haven't worn in quite some time. I got it from eBay, a few years ago, and can still be found here! It is a gorgeous gunmetal color, and the photos online definitely do not do it justice. My shirt is a basic black t-shirt from H&M, which is tucked into a slitted pencil skirt from Target. This is another one of those items that I bought quite some time ago and is no longer available at Target, but black pencils skirts are a staple and can be found just about anywhere! My shoes are also from Target, and definitely aren't as cute in the picture as they are on my feet! Plus, they are SO comfy, and wear really well. I tend to walk with my toes up (from a few good years of marching I assume), so a lot of shoes wear out around my toes really quickly. My belt is the same belt I wore in my last OOTD, which actually belongs to my best friend, so I am not sure where it's from.

My nails were inspired by +leighannsays, and I used my L'Oreal Color Riche Nail Color in "Eiffel For You" with my N.Y.C. Longwearing Nail Enamel in "Plaza Plumberry" for the triangle accent. It's the first time I've ever done a manicure like this, so it's anything but perfect, but I think it turned out pretty well for a first time try! 

The look I wore today was definitely a fall-inspired look, with some oranges and wine colors. Unfortunately, my camera was going crazy today and didn't seem to want me to be able to get a very good photo of it. Also, please excuse my crazy hair. I am in desperate need of a good hair mask. 

First, I used my Too Faced Primed and Poreless face primer, and over that, my L'Oreal True Match Foundation in the shade C2. Then I went straight into the brows, with Inglot 358 Matte and my Ardell Brow Sculpting Gel (not pictured). Then, I ran my Rimmel London Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal in "Nude" to help shape and define my brows just a bit more. Then, I applied my Urban Decay Primer Potion (not pictured) to help my shadows stay put. Then I went in with my Coastal Scents 252 Ultimate Palette. 

This palette comes with three tiers of shadows: one with cools tones, one with neutral tones, and one with warm tones. I used the warm tier, and applied a shimmery peach color on the inner third of my lid. I then took a matte plum color and rocked it in my socket as well as the outer corner, being careful to blend it out really well. I then used a bright matte orange to add an extra pop of color on the center of my lids, as well as a matte brown to deepen the plum in my outer corner. I also ran the shimmery peach color along the inner corner. 

After applying my eyeshadows, I went back in with my Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner in "Blackest Black" and created a defined winged liner. It's a bit difficult to see in the picture, unfortunately. I then took my nude Rimmel pencil and ran it in the lower waterline, as well as under the wing to give it some extra definition. 

After all this was applied, I went in with my new holy grail concealer, the Rimmel London Wake Me Up Concealer in Very Fair. I applied this to the undereye area, as well as down the bridge of my nose to add a bit of highlight. This concealer is amazing for my dry-combination skin. I then went in and powdered with my Revlon Photo Ready Translucent Finisher, and contoured with the same Inglot powder I used on my brows. On my cheeks, I used my favorite blush (of all time), Wet 'n Wild Color Icon Blusher in "Mellow Wine," and on my lips, my Wet 'n Wild Megalast Lip Color in "Sugar Plum Fairy." Finally, I used my Maybelline The Mega Plush Volum' Express Mascara. And of course, I spritzed some Mac Fix+ to add a lovely finish to the skin!

- d. 

p.s. in case you were wondering, I got the job!

First post and October Favorites!

Hello! Sooo, as many of you may already know, I've been really into the whole beauty industry for quite some time now, and since I was 16, I have been the go-to hair and makeup artist for many of my friends, and friends' friends. When I was 18, I started in beauty school, where I primarily learned hair styling. About 6 months later, I realized it wasn't what I wanted to do with my career, and I left beauty school (insert "beauty school dropout" lyrics here). However, that has not stopped me from being passionate about the beauty industry! That's why I have decided to start posting my favorite beauty, fashion, and lifestyle favorites from month to month, just like a lot of my favorite YouTube beauty gurus. 

Let's start with a rediscovered favorite. 

L'Oreal Carbon Black Lineur Intense. This is my all-time favorite liquid liner. While I typically tend to go for cream or gel liners, Lineur Intense is perfect for just about any eyeliner look. I forgot about this liner for a while, but when I recently saw it in Target, the fire was rekindled. The sponge tip allows it to apply with ease and precision, and is different than the typical felt tip or brush applicators sometimes seen with liquid liners. It is flexible like a brush, which allows for ease of application, but thin and precise like a felt tip, which allows you to build up your liner from super fine to thick and bold. And if you're looking for a black liner, let me tell you. This one is...well, carbon black. In terms of wear time, it lasts and lasts and lasts. I have oily lids, and once this stuff is dry, it won't budge until I'm ready to take it off. But when wet, it is easy to manipulate, and if you mess up, no worries! Just take a wet cotton bud and it cleans up easily.

Wet n Wild Mega Last Lip Color -- Sugar Plum Fairy. This is a truly versatile lipstick. Not only is it the most gorgeous berry color, perfect for the fall, but it can easily double as a cream cheek color! This lipstick has been my favorite cheek color for October. Crazy, you say? Try it yourself! It has a semi-matte finish, with a creamy consistency, so it will not dry out your skin or make it look oily. Just rub the color between your fingers and pat it on your cheeks. Use a buffing brush or sponge to blend it, if your fingers aren't doing the job. This stuff does have a tendency to stain, so it will last! 

Maybelline The Mega Plush Volum' Express Mascara. I've never been a fan of the flaky, clumpy lash look, and I'm not blessed with super long, healthy lashes. This mascara is great for me. It definitely adds volume and length, without making your lashes look clumpy, AND it stays soft while holding a curl! To me, it's almost a "no-mascara" mascara. It feels nice on the lashes and is buildable. It is a very wet mascara when you first apply it, so if that's not your thing, skip it. I hear this mascara is typically a hit or miss, but for me, it's a hit.

Soap & Glory Hand Food Hydrating Hand Cream. Some of you may already know, I am a colorguard coach. As a colorguard coach, I am very hard on my hands. And now, going into these cooler months, my hands will really begin to feel the wear and tear. However, this hand cream has been my savior! I've seen it talked about a million times and I am in love. It smells divine. The smell alone would make me want to use it. But not only does it smell good, it is so creamy and rich! And it isn't the kind of creamy and rich that lingers on your skin so you can't do anything with your hands. It soaks in quickly and leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth. I have the travel size that I keep in my bag. 

Essie Nail Lacquer -- Vested Interest. Anyone who has followed me for a long time will know I'm not a fan of Essie nail polishes. I am so picky about polishes. I like them to be thick, but not goopy. Essie has a tendency to be too thin to achieve the opacity I like without pushing into 3-4 coats. However, Vested Interest is a gorgeous, teal gray creme that is opaque in 2 coats. Honestly, I don't know why I love this polish so much. I tend to stay away from blue-ish polishes, but this one has been on my nails nonstop since I purchased it. It has great staying power. As I said before, I work with my hands a lot, and this polish typically stays on for 5 days before beginning to chip. Maybe my bad Essie luck has changed? 

Bath & Body Works 3-Wick Candle -- Leaves. This is an autumn staple for me. Leaves is such an amazing scent. I even have the Scentportable for my car, and get compliments every single time someone new sits in my passenger seat (despite how messy my car actually is)! It is described as a "rich blend of golden nectar, red apple, and spiced berries." In the last month, I have burned it practically every night, and when B&BW had their 2 for $22 candle sale, of course I had to buy another one, as well as their Cinnamon & Clove Buds candle. I love pairing this with my Candle-lite Essential Elements Vanilla & Sandalwood candle (that's a mouthful), which I found at Rite Aid. Absolutely amazing, and it's burning as I type.

Charming Charlie Right On Rhinestone Watch -- Gunmetal. There isn't much I can say about this watch. Just a standard boyfriend watch with rhinestones in a gorgeous gunmetal color! I've been wearing this pretty much every single day since purchasing it. The cool thing about it was that I received a sizing kit with my purchase (basically a blunt thumb tack with instructions), so it fits just right for me now!

- d.