Katniss Everdeen's Tribute Parade Look

Now we're back to the Catching Fire mini-series! We're almost done, just one more look, and in the next post, I have a surprise!

This is the look Katniss wears in her second tribute parade, before entering the arena for the Quarter Quell.

Jennifer Lawrence's makeup artists definitely didn't hold back on the glitter in this movie. It looks like it's a pretty chunky black and gunmetal glitter on her eyes, and a gorgeous gold liner, almost like feathers.

Despite being fairly simple, this look is very messy, and I made sure to keep cotton swabs and makeup remover on hand at all times. To create a solid base for the black shadow, I took a Milani Liquid Eye Eyeliner Pencil in "01 Black" and created the shape I wanted for my lid. I took it up through the crease, being very particular about where I placed the product. I used my finger to blend the cream color out, then I took a matte black shadow and a flat shader brush and pushed the color into the liner, to prevent fallout. 

After I placed the color, I took a cotton swab and some makeup remover and went along the edges to clean up any fallout, and to create a crisper edge. Next, I took a gunmetal cosmetic glitter from Claire's and, using the same flat shader brush, I pressed this into the black shadow. I held a tissue under my eyes to prevent the glitter from getting everywhere. 

Now comes the hard part. I took NYX Loose Pearl Eyeshadow in "Yellow Gold" and mixed it with a spray of my Mac Fix+ to create a paste. I used this for the feathery strokes along the outside of the eye. I took a precision liner brush and very carefully and quickly drew in the strokes. I also took this wet shadow under the lower lashline, stopping at the inner corner. Before the product completely set, I took the loose shadow, dry, and patted it over the wet shadow to brighten it up. 

I completely forgot to take a picture of this next product, but if you've been keeping up with this mini-series, you'll recognize the product from Johanna's Tribute Parade Look. I wiped off my precision liner brush and took my Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Liner and carefully lined the accent points on the feathery strokes.

After I accented the feathers, I again took my Milani Liquid Eye Eyeliner Pencil and lined my upper and lower waterline, as well as my lower lash line. Finally, I applied a pair of generic eBay lashes, like I did in my last Katniss look.

I used Rimmel Professional Eyebrow Pencil to fill in and straighten out my brows, much like Jennifer Lawrence's.This brow pencil is great for on-the-go because it comes with a brow brush on the cap! I highlighted the browbone with my MAC Studio Finish Concealer in NW25 (which actually isn't even the right color for me, but it works well for this step). 

From here, I did my face, layering my foundation for a more flawless finish. On the cheeks, I used my trusty Inglot 358 Matte as a light contour, and the mauve-toned blush from my Morphe 10 Color Blush Palette. Since her lips look pretty natural, I simply applied my Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm. 

For this look, I decided to do something a bit different, and do some Katniss inspired nails! 

For this manicure, I used a gorgeous berry color on my nails, which was Revlon Nail Enamel in "Bewitching." On the accent nail, I used a polish from CoverGirl's Limited Edition Capitol Collection, which is called "Seared Bronze." I got this polish in a pack with the nail stickers in the style "Tawny Flame," which I also used on my nails for this look. I was actually quite impressed with this bronze polish from CoverGirl. The glitter was gorgeous and it was so opaque! It looks especially amazing in natural sunlight.

- d. 

Johanna Mason's Tribute Parade Look

This look is from the scene where Johanna gets a bit risque! I've been told a few times that I remind people of Johanna Mason, and I hope that's true, because Jena Malone is absolutely gorgeous. It was incredibly hard to find a decent photo on the internet, other than gifs from Tumblr. However, I did manage to get a few decent shots to help me create this look.

This look was so fun to create! I primarily used the Too Faced Shadow Insurance Policy Collection. This look is all about her crazy art liner and her brows. Johanna is from District 7, lumber, which is obviously what inspired this look. 

To start, I used my Too Face Shadow Insurance Primer (not photographed) all over my lid, up to the brows. Then, I started work on my brows. Using a synthetic angled brush and my new Anastasia DipBrow Pomade in "Dark Brown," I very intensely filled in my brows. Naturally, my brows don't go in very far, so I extended the inner parts of my brows till they met the sides of my nose. I took the same angled brush and began to line the sides of my nose, stopping near the inner corner. From here, I blended the product inward, keeping the intensity near the brows. This contouring is what created the drama in Johanna's look.

Moving onto the shadows, I used a flat shader brush and packed "Lucky Charms" onto the lower half of my lid. Then, I wiped off my brush and took "Socialite" from where "Lucky Charms" ended, up to the brow. "Lucky Charms" is a very true, shimmery green, and "Socialite" is a beautiful copper shimmer, both of which are perfect for this look. After I applied "Socialite," I went back in with "Lucky Charms" and patted it over the line between it and "Socialite," to begin to blend it. All the shadows in this palette blend together beautifully, and "Socialite" and "Lucky Charms" are no exception. I made sure to also blend "Socialite" into the bridge contour, to create a seamless finish. Finally, I took "Glamazon" on the inner corners, as well as Rimmel's Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Liner in "Nude" on the lower waterline. 

From here, I had a choice. I could either do my face makeup and risk messing it up while doing the liner, or do my liner and risk messing it up when I did the face makeup. I felt that the face makeup would be easier to fix, so I applied my foundation with a flat foundation brush. I used the flat foundation brush today because I wanted to make sure to create a nice crisp highlight on the bridge of my nose. I concealed any blemishes or redness using my Urban Decay 24/7 Concealer Pencil, which I also used on the bridge of my nose for even more coverage. Then, I set it all with my Revlon Photo Ready Translucent Finisher, and contoured with my Inglot 358 Matte shadow. 

From here, it was time to tackle the liner. First, I used my Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner on a precision artist's brush to create the line on my upper lash line. I also used to it map out my "branches." I began my branches the way I would any other winged liner, only for this look, I brought it all the way up past my brows, and into my hairline. Then, I took my L'Oreal Carbon Black Lineur Intense and traced over the line, using short strokes. The key to creating the branches is short strokes, because you will drive yourself absolutely mad otherwise. Trust me, I tried. I used the photo of Jena Malone on the right to help find the right design of the branches, and I noticed that they followed the contours of her temple. 

Finally, the lashes. I honestly am not sure which lashes I used for this look, because they were in an older container with no label. However, I think they may have been the Ardell Fashion Lashes 102 Black, which I trimmed to create more of an accent lash. Johanna does not seem to be wearing heavy lashes on the inner corners, but they get thick and voluptuous on the outer corners. Any kind of accent lashes would be great for this look. I then used my lash curler to fuse the lashes with my natural lashes, and my Maybelline The Mega Plush Volum' Express Mascara on the inner corners and lower lashes, to keep them well-blended and naturally dramatic.

As for her lips, they look very natural, with a slight gold sheen. So I applied a lip balm, and dabbed Maybelline Eye Studio Color Tattoo Metal cream shadow in "Gold Rush" all over my lips, and I was done!

- d. 

Katniss' Presidential Party Makeup

Happy holidays, everyone! Or should I say, happy Hunger Games!

As I said in a previous post, I have been fully obsessed with The Hunger Games series recently, and I've just started reading Mockingjay! I know, I'm super late joining on this, but I'm so excited to find out what happens next.

After watching "Catching Fire," I was so inspired by Katniss and Johanna's makeup looks. I even dyed my hair in a similar style to Johanna's because I am just SO obsessed! The makeup artists did a fantastic job with both Jennifer Lawrence and Jena Malone, and their costumes were absolutely to die for. When I watched "Catching Fire," I decided I had to do a mini-series based on their looks. I thought I would begin with the look Katniss wears at the end of the Victory Tour, at President Snow's party.

Part of the reason I decided to start off with this look is because it's party makeup! It's the holiday season, and I can't believe Christmas is tomorrow. This look could totally be adjusted for any kind of New Year's party. Imagine this look using like smoldering grays and silver glitter! It's dramatic, but don't be afraid to work it. 

First, I started off with my Ben Nye FX Bruise Cream Stack, using the brick red color as a base. I applied this in a thin layer all over my lid, but staying under the crease. Then I took a synthetic blending brush and blended out the edges of the product. I paid close attention to the outer corners, where I blended up and out to create a winged shape. 

Then, using my trusty Coastal Scents 252 Ultimate Palette, I picked up a matte red color on a flat shader brush and packed this color over the lid. Then I used the same synthetic blending brush from before and blended out the edges. To add a bit of dimension, I grabbed a darker red and mixed it with a warm purple shade, and took it through the crease.

Then I took a stiff shader brush and the NYX Glitter on the Go in the color Ruby and patted this carefully all over the lid. Unfortunately, this product has been discontinued, but you can use any red cosmetic glitter you can find. They are easily found just about anywhere, and a lot of brands have absolutely beautiful glitters. Make sure you are using cosmetic glitter though! Craft glitter can be dangerous for use around the eyes, as it can be thicker and sharper. When I applied this glitter, I used a tissue under the eye to help prevent the fall out from getting all over my face. When using glitter, you will get fall out, even if you are using a sticky base. The glitter I am using is a red-based glitter with beautiful golden orange flecks. 

Next, I took my Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner in "Blackest Black" and created a very fine but very dramatic winged liner on my upper and lower lashline. I used a small precision artist's brush, so I could create a very thin line. I did the top liner first, then used that as my guide to creating the lower wing. I then took a cotton bud and cleaned up any mistakes. 

Using a clean synthetic angled brush and Ben Nye's Cream Color in "White," I very carefully began to fill in the space between the two wings. I also used this product in my lower water line, as well as under my brow to highlight. To set it, I wiped off my angled brush and used my translucent setting powder. Then, I used a shimmery white shadow and brought it through my inner corner to brighten up the whole look.

Katniss' face is absolutely glowing in this makeup. Jennifer Lawrence's makeup artists did an amazing job of making her skin look glowing and flawless. To achieve a similar effect, started with a moisturized face. I first applied my Too Faced Primed and Poreless Face Primer to really smooth everything out. Then, using my L'Oreal True Match Foundation in the shade C2 and the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush, I applied my foundation in a buffing motion, to get the fullest coverage from this foundation. Then, I used my Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer under my eyes, and my Urban Decay 24/7 Concealer Pencil to hide any blemishes or redness that the foundation didn't cover. Remember, the makeup artists would have been trying to make Katniss look absolutely flawless for her party in the Capitol! 

After I finished concealing, I used my mini Benefit Watt's Up Highlighter under my eyes and on the tops of my cheekbones, as well as on the high points of my face, such as the the center of my forehead, the bridge of my nose, my chin, and my cupid's bow. I used my finger to blend this product out, then took a stippling brush and applied a very light layer of my Revlon Photo Ready Translucent Finisher. 

I then took a small domed face brush and Inglot 358 Matte and contoured my cheeks. I also ran this product through my brows. It doesn't look like Jennifer Lawrence has much in her brows during this scene, but she always has much better brows than I do, so I decided to give my brows just a little extra definition. 

Her cheeks have a very soft pink glow to them, so I used blush side of the e.l.f. Studio Contouring Blush & Bronzing Powder in the color "St. Lucia" and applied this color to the apples of my cheeks, and blending it out. Then, I spritzed some of my Mac Fix+ to get rid of any powdery finish and to add an extra glow. 

Her lips are pretty nude, so all I did was apply some lip balm, and dabbed a tiny bit of a white shimmery shadow on the center of my lips.

Finally, the lashes! The lashes I used are not of any particular brand. I actually got them for super cheap on eBay! EBay is a great place to purchase lashes, because you can buy huge sets of them for less than $5. The lashes I used were super thick and dramatic, which I thought was perfect to complete this look.

Thanks for reading! I wanted to wish all of you a happy holiday, and I really hope that it is lovely for each and every one of you. Thank you so much for supporting me in these last couple months, and I hope you all have a wonderful new year! ♥♥♥

- d. 

ps. stay tuned for the next look -- Johanna in the elevator! 

Face and Nails of the Day -- Dramatic Cut Crease, Vampy Lips, and Nails on Fire.

Happy Monday!

Today, I had the weirdest shift at work, but because of the time that I was scheduled, I had plenty of time to play around with makeup, and today, I came up with this look:

Dramatic makeup is a great way to make any Monday a little less drab. It's always important to remember that if you are going to do a bold lip, neutrals on the eye are important. Neutral eye makeup doesn't have to be synonymous with boring, simple, or "every day." In this look, I used a shimmery taupe and a matte black to create this neutral cut crease.

The key to this look is BLENDING. I wanted to have a sharp edge on the outer corner, to create a cat eye effect, but I also wanted to offset it with a beautiful smokey effect as the shadow neared the brow bone.

For this look, I used my trusty Coastal Scents 252 Ultimate Palette, the Rimmel London Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal in "Nude", and my favorite translucent powder, Revlon Photo Ready Translucent Finisher.

Using a flat shader brush, I applied the shimmery taupe color all over the lid, careful not to go into the crease. Then, I used a MAC 217 brush to apply my translucent powder in the crease, up to the brow bone. This will help the black color blend a little easier. I then took a small pencil brush and carefully applied the matte black color to the outer corner, as well as through the crease. I created a V shape with this color, on the outer corners of my eyes. That is what creates the cat eye effect. Then, taking my MAC 217 again, I began blending away. 

Quick Tip: Use your face powder on a fluffy blending brush to help blend any harsh lines. Your face powder on a stiffer brush will also act as a bit of an eraser. 

After I finished blending my crease color, I felt that the taupe color was losing vibrancy, so I again took a flat shader brush and reapplied the color to my lid. From here, I used my Milani Liquid Eye Eye Pencil in "01 - Black" and smudged this along my upper lash line, being careful to get in between all the lashes. The great thing about this liner is that you have plenty of time to smudge it out, but once it sets, it has great staying power. I also used this to create a small wing on my outer corner, then blended it into the V shape using a pencil brush. 

If your outer corner V isn't sharp enough, take a makeup wipe and clean up the line!

After I decided I was happy with how it looked,  I used my Rimmel London Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal in "Nude" to highlight under the brow bone and in my inner corner. I blended this pencil and then set it with my translucent powder. Then, I topped off my lashes with a few coats of my favorite Maybelline The Mega Plush Volum' Express Mascara.

After this, I moved onto the lips. 

I took an angled brush and applied the tiniest amount of the OCC Lip Tar in "NSFW" all over my lips. Then, I wiped off my brush, and took a dark, warm-toned purple and applied this to the corners of my mouth. This added an ombre effect to the lips that add an extra vampy punch. Don't be afraid to be heavy handed with the purple. After I had the corners to my liking, I applied a light coat of the Maybelline Color Sensational Color Elixir in "Signature Scarlet" to help blend together any harsh lines created between the lip tar and the purple shadow. 

When I finished with the lips, I went back in and applied my foundation and brows. The same routine as usual:  Too Faced Primed and Poreless face primer, L'Oreal True Match Foundation in the shade C2,  Inglot 358 Matte, and my Ardell Brow Sculpting Gel. I also went in under the eyes with the Rimmel London Wake Me Up Concealer in Very Fair, and used a flat concealer brush to help define the cat eye shape even more. Then I topped it all off with my Revlon Photo Ready Translucent Finisher. 

I used my Inglot 358 Matte shadow as my contour shade, which I ran in the hollows of my cheeks, around the jawline, and on the sides of my nose. Then I used my Morphe 10 Color Blush Palette to create a subtle flush to the cheeks. 

In the pan, this color looks very brown. However, when applied, it creates a beautiful, natural glow.

And, as always, I finished everything off with my Mac Fix+!

Now, onto the nails! 

I've been super into The Hunger Games recently, hence the title "Nails on Fire." But I found this polish at Walmart last night and am completely in love. I only wish the photos could do it justice. It's the Rimmel London Lasting Finish Pro Nail Lacquer in the color "Lava Red." It's just this amazing, almost holographic oxblood shade and I am so, so in love. In certain lights, it appears almost brown, and in others, very purple. But in direct light, it is so beautiful and almost indescribable. I wish I knew how to better describe this polish, because it is to die for. And for a little over $3? A total steal. 

- d.