Corals? For Spring? Groundbreaking.

I must say, I hate spring. I mean don't get me wrong, it's beautiful -- the sun is shining, the snow is melting, the birds are coming out to sing. But the best/worst part about spring? The flowers. I love the look of flowers, but I have had pretty bad pollen allergies since I was a kid, and I've never grown out of them. I get these really awful sinus headaches because of the pollen, to the point where it sometimes is hard for me to get out of bed. So dried flowers and fake flowers tend to be my go-to decorative choice.

But all my pollen hatred aside, I do love the colors that come with spring. I love walking into Target and seeing all the spring and summer clothing, all the vivid-colored bags, and all the cute shoes that are coming into season! Today I decided to do a look based on my two favorite spring colors, that just so happen to look fantastic together: coral and turquoise.

So for this look, I actually spent a lot of the time on my skin. I wanted to look glowing and radiant -- like I've just returned from spring break! Since I'm super pale right now, I actually mixed together my new Rimmel BB Cream Matte in "Light" and my L'Oreal True Match Foundation in "C2." The Rimmel BB cream is a couple shades too dark for me, but I think it'll be the perfect shade once I've been out in the sun a bit more. I do tend to pick up a tan once the warmer months come around. After that, I took my trusty Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer and covered up any blemishes or discoloration. 

From here, I moved onto the brows. I wanted to give my brows a naturally full effect, so I decided to use a powder. I used Inglot 358 Matte through the entirety of my brows, as well as "Triple Fudge" from the Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette through the arch of my brow to add extra definition. I then ran my concealer under my brows to clean up the edges.

As an eyeshadow base, I used the Maybelline Color Tattoo Metal in "Inked in Pink," staying under the crease. You may notice as you read that for this look, I decided to double up a couple of products. I used the Milani Baked Blush in "Luminoso" on the entire lid, staying below the crease. After this, I went in with my Coastal Scent 252 Ultimate Palette. 

I used the matte coral shade to deepen the crease a bit. It is very similar to "Luminoso" but slightly darker and matte, so it is a great way to blend out any harsh edges. I also took the warm plummy brown shade and, with a very light hand, rocked this in the crease, just to add the slightest addition of dimension. I took both of these shades and ran them under the lower lash line as well. From here, I used the lightest heart in the Physicians Formula Glow & Mood Boosting Powder in "Translucent" to highlight my inner corner as well as the browbone. 

Now for the fun turquoise liner! I used the Wet n Wild Mega Liner Liquid Liner in "Turquoise" and did a subtle winged liner. For my tutorial on how to do winged liner, click here! This Wet n Wild liner is great for anyone who is just starting to get comfortable with colored liner, because it's really inexpensive! To help make the color of the liner pop even more, I took a push liner brush and my Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Liner and made a very thin line, as close to my lashes as I could get. Then, I topped it off with Maybelline Volum' Express The Rocket Mascara. 

Moving on to the glowing skin! First thing's first, I took the Benefit Watt's Up Highlighter along the tops of my cheekbones, as well as down the bridge of my nose and on my Cupid's bow. To avoid looking shiny as opposed to glowing, I took my Revlon Photo Ready Translucent Finisher and set everything into place. I took a smaller face brush and the Physicians Formula Glow & Mood Boosting Powder in "Translucent" and hit all the spots that I applied the Watt's Up highlighter. Then, I again took "Luminoso" and lightly applied this to my cheeks. For my sun-kissed appearance, I used The Balm Bahama Mama bronzer on a big fluffy brush, and very lightly applied this to the points of my face that the sun would naturally hit -- the top of my forehead, my temples, the tip of my nose, etc. I also used this to very subtly contour. Of course, be sure to blend well! 

For my lips, I decided to keep it very light and simple, and just used the Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm in "Cherry Me," for a subtle hint of color.

And that's it! Super fun with a bright pop of color. Tell me, what's your favorite thing about spring? 

- d. 

How To: Bold Winged Liner and My Top 5 Tips!

Today, as I was doing my makeup for work, I decided to go with a matte, neutral eye, and a bold winged liner. As I was applying my eyeliner, I thought about how many people have asked me just how I get it so perfect! So I decided that today I'd write a post explaining how I do my winged liner, and my top 5 tips on perfecting your winged liner. 

First things first, for today's look I used my Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner in "Blackest Black," which is a great gel liner. I've had a lot of gel liners that have dried out on me long before I was done with the pot, but this liner lasts for so much longer than any other ones that I have tried! It glides on so smoothly and is perfect for this bold look.

The next important thing to take into consideration is, "What kind of brush should I use?" Well, that's up to you. For me, it depends on the day and what I feel like using. Today, I decided to use a push liner brush, so I could get really close to the lash line. But you could use a push liner brush, and angled liner brush, a precision liner brush, or even an artist's brush if you want!

One of the keys to successfully creating a winged liner is to remember your basic shapes. Winged liner is JUST a glorified triangle! That sounds so much less scary, doesn't it? 

In the top photo, I show the three points where you should "connect the dots," and in the bottom photo, I show what your triangle should look like. Of course, for every eye shape this is going to be slightly different. I personally keep my angle in line with my lower lash line, but you can adjust this however you feel works best for your shape. Decide what angle you want for your liner, and, using short strokes, connect the dots. Once you have your triangle, fill it in! At this step, I don't have liner on the rest of my lash line yet. After I filled in my little triangle, I used my push liner brush to gently wiggle in between my lashes and create a thin line. From here, gently build up the line with short strokes until it is as thick as you like!

Don't be afraid to make a mistake. The great thing about makeup is that it can be removed easily with some makeup remover and a cotton bud. Keep this in mind while drawing your liner, and don't worry if you color outside the lines. It can easily be erased! Once I have the liner to my liking, I always run either concealer or a nude liner under the wing. Lately, I have been loving my Rimmel London Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal in "Nude" for this step. It's so easy to just draw a line under the wing, and it creates a crisp line. Just don't forget to blend the nude color!

So what are my top five tips for creating the perfect winged liner?

1. Gel liners are typically easier to work with than liquid liners. If you are a beginner at winged liner, I would recommend using a gel liner and an angled brush.
2. Don't forget your basic shapes! Remember: winged liner is just a triangle.
3. Use a nude liner or a concealer and a small brush to clean up the line and to keep it nice and crisp.
4. Short strokes are a must. Your face is not a flat surface, and you will never be able to draw a straight line in one quick go.
5.  If you make a mistake, DON'T PANIC! Mistakes are easy to fix with makeup remover and a cotton bud. Don't be afraid to go back and clean up lines. This will keep your makeup looking clean and polished.

Just remember, winged liner takes practice and precision. Over time, it will get easier, so be patient. Don't be too hard on yourself if you don't get it the first time. Practice makes perfect, and soon enough you'll be perfectly achieving this incredible fall/winter trend!

- d.  

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.