Wet 'n Wild "Comfort Zone" Palette

First of all, today was my first day back to college! I had intro to psychology today, and a dimensions class tomorrow. For as nervous as I was, it was a walk in the park, just like the old days.

So on my way back from lunch with the boyfriend, I had to stop at walgreens to get some prescriptions. I figured I deserved a little treat for actually getting up and going this morning!

I know I am really late on this bandwagon, but until today I had never been able to find this palette. Until today! I finally have the Comfort Zone palette from Wet 'n Wild. It really is a pretty palette. I think I will be using it a lot in the mornings before class because the colors have such a variety that I can make several daytime appropriate [not that I care about day/night rules] makeup looks quickly!

The colors are very pigmented. Not surprising since this line makes some pretty good shadows for the price you pay. More expensive doesn't ALWAYS mean better :]

I also got another Revlon Just Bitten Balm Stain. I already have "Honey" which I LOVE. Leighannsays on YouTube made a video all about them, and thus has hooked me :] Here is a link to her video if you either haven't seen it or are interested - CLiCKiTY CLiCK! Anyway, today I picked up "Darling". I really like it, a really pretty purple.

Look forward to some posts using both the palette and the balm stain, now that I will be doing actual makeup [besides liner and mascara] on a more regular basis!

Lots of Love,
XOXO Mary

Fall Makeup Trends 2012

Fall is right around the corner and that means new makeup trends for a new season. Of course there are staples and repeats that are usually dubbed "fall makeup" like strong brows and red lips but this year there are a few looks that are a little more... out there. I chose the 5 I like the most. There are so many sites and magazines out that will tell you all of them, but I am showcasing the ones I feel are most user friendly, usable.
So here are my top 5 trends for fall!

1. Futuristic Eyes
Makeup artists went crazy applying grease paint around the eyes at Prada and smudging black kohl liners at Marc Jacobs. The runway looks are always more extreme but, you can push the envelope a little more than usual with dramatic dark carbon black liner applied thickly and saturated eye shadows past your outer corner for that dramatic pop.


2. Blackberry Lips
Red is always on the list of trends for fall but the trend this year is a deep mulled-wine or "blackberry" stain with chocolate brown undertones.You can go for a creamy matte all the way to a high patent-leather looking gloss. The best way to wear this look is with a FLAWLESS face. The saturation can be as sheer or as opaque as you dare, but remember to exfoliate those lips for a flake-free pout. To see a PERFECT way to get this look, check this video by Jackie. It's perfection.


3. Defined Brows

Always on point with fall. Play up your brow shape by feathering on pencils and shadows to really bring out your arch — and just for fun, the daring can even add a few sparkles like were seen on the runway.

4. Mesmerizing Multi-Toned Eyes

Statement-making eyes, the kind of jewel tones like blue-brown, cool greens, and cobalt. For a chic look, go for shadows with hints of silver or gold mixed into the color to soften the effect and complement your skin tone.

5. Smoky Browns

Fashion shows and make up companies love to reinvent black. This year, brown is "the new black". The nice  thing about brown is its versatility. You can go chocolate or tan and it can be layered on for more or less intensity and suits all complexions. Try rimming your eyes with anything from khaki to mocha, then blurring it out for a smoldering look.

I have plans to create some of these trends and put them on here. Is anyone going to try any of these new and improved staples of fall trends??

Lots of Love,
XOXO Mary

My Project 10 Pan!

Caution: This post is pic heavy.

I love watching the YouTube videos on Project 10 Pan, so I've decided that I am going to do it too. Like it says in my blog description, I have a serious makeup purchasing addiction. This stuff needs to be used up, AND it will [hopefully] keep me from buying any more.

I have to switch my addiction to something else... like jewelry, lol.

So here are the 10 products that I am going to include.

I won't be able to buy any makeup in it's "family" until I use up these!

Obviously if I finish a mascara, I'm going to buy another one, but you guys know what I mean!

Everything is brand new, just unboxed. So I'm starting from the beginning on all of these!

I am going to do updates on my progress, again with pictures.

I really wanna see how long these products last!

I would love to see anyone else's posts on this, or to join me in this quest.

We can do it together! Let's make our wallets fat!

~ THE PRODUCTS ~

Maybelline Line Stiletto in black.

 Revlon Lip Butters in 'Creamsicle' & 'Sweet Tart'

 EOS Lip Balm in 'Sweet Mint' - YUM.

 Maybelline Colossal Volume mascara in black.

 

Olay facial moisturizer.

 Revlon Age Defying concealer in medium.

 Urban Decay Primer Potion - travel size.

NYC Smooth Skin Bronzer in 'Sunny'

 

Urban Decay 24/7 Liner in Zero.

 NYX Lip Liner in 'Natural'.

WOO! This is a bunch! I can't wait to tackle this :]

Lots of Love,

XOXO Mary

Makeup 101 - Foundation

Although not everyone is blessed with good genes, a flawless complexion is a desired effect for most women. Since we can't alter our body's genetics, we can still achieve this by doing it the way celebrities and makeup artists do - fake it! This simply means using makeup like foundation, concealer, and powder to hide or correct uneven skin tone, blemishes and unwanted spots.

We all have skin imperfections that we don’t like. Applying too much foundation or concealer can end up cursing you with “cake face”. It's a common problem when it comes to makeup. Maybe you don’t necessarily need a full face of foundation, maybe just a little concealer where you feel you need it and a very thin layer of powder on top if you have more oily skin and like to "set" your concealer.

Anyway, the main purpose of foundation is to even out your natural skin tone. Foundation is not meant to make your skin lighter or darker. That is what contouring and shading with bronzers and highlighters are for.The "perfect" foundation color will "disappear" into your skin.

It's important to know what you want from foundation. Do you want it sheer? Matte? Shimmery? Do you want to tone down specific areas of your skin or just even out your overall skin tone?

When you're shopping for foundation, make sure you're in natural day light or white light. Also, don't wear any makeup on your face! I suggest getting color matched in a store like Sephora or bringing a friend with you to the drugstore. If you go to a drugstore and can’t test the color, just hold up the bottle to your jaw line and have a second set of eyes there to help you find the closest match. When choosing a shade, try different ones and compare them. If you can try it on, always test foundation on your jaw line. If you see a spot or the color once it's dry, it's not right for you. It should be invisible, blending into your skin so your skin looks like skin, not makeup. Testing the foundation on your jaw line will help make sure you get the best shade that blends with your face and neck.  

I found information on the makeup geek site breaking down the types of foundation, I will copy and paste it to the end of this post! [much easier than me sitting here and typing it all out since I've been so long winded already...]

Once you have your perfect foundation, make sure you apply it to moisturized and primed [if you wish] skin. Apply your face products in THIN layers. Don’t put too much on at first or it may cake up on you. It's easier to add more than it is to take it away ;]

I hope this helped some of you, and to those that requested it, good luck! And remember, it's just makeup. Everything is trial and error. Unfortunately that's the way it goes. What works on some people may not work on you and vice versa. That's why you should always get a tester before you drop the dollars on a high end foundation. Or, make sure the store has a killer return policy. Nothing sucks more than spending $50 on a foundation and never using it.

Lots of Love,
Mary xoxo

TIPS FROM MAKEUP GEEK

Use only enough powder to set the foundation- using a powder puff will help.  Too much powder will get cakey looking.

Let your moisturizer set for at least 10 minutes before applying foundation- your skin needs time to soak in the moisture.
 
If you are rushed for time, skip the full foundation and just use concealer on problem areas.  No powder is needed unless you have oily skin.

The best method to make your foundation last all day is to use a primer – this stops oil from breaking through and taking off your foundation.

TYPES OF FOUNDATION [FROM MAKEUP GEEK]

Liquid Foundation: Offers light to medium coverage. Available in moisturizing formulas with a satin finish for dry skin or oil-free versions with a matte finish for oily skins.

Cream Foundation: Offers light to medium coverage, slightly heavier than a liquid. Great for dry skin. Avoid using if you have oily or combination skin.

Stick: Foundation sticks also double as concealers. The new gel or powder finish formulas are not as heavy or greasy as the older "pancake" formulas.

Dual-finish compact formulas (liquid to powder or cream to powder): Medium  coverage Great for combination skin, but should be avoided by those with excessively dry skin or who need heavier coverage. Can tend to dry out your face.

Tinted moisturizer: Can be used under foundation or alone for minimal to no coverage. Almost like a liquid bronzer.

Mineral Powder Foundation: Offers light to full coverage. Comes in every shade and tone imaginable. VERY easy and fast to apply. Longer lasting than most foundations. Controls oil and most are waterproof with a natural SPF!

How To: Wear Orange Lips

Orange lips are all the rage for spring and summer. I personally love this trend, it can be worn so many ways. In this post I show you 3 different ways to do an orange lip - from sheer to full on BAM! in your face.

Keeping in mind, orangey tones generally work with both brunettes and blondes as well as fair and dark complexions. It’s just a matter of finding your personal best shade of orangey goodness.

You can pair an orange lip with a golden eyeshadow, bronzer and you're ready to go. You can also rock this trend with simple black liner and mascara. Something more neutral - with such a bold lip, you want to keep the focus there and down play the eyes a bit. Always moisturize your lips first, because vibrant lipstick can emphasize chapped, flaky lips!

However, since there are no rules when it comes to makeup, you can do whatever you want to your face. These are merely suggestions :]

Below are pictures of a way to wear this color. Sheer, muted, and bold. I have done a simple copper eyeshadow, winged liner, and a frosty gold highlight on my eyes. On my cheeks I have some bronzer and a pinch of a peachy-pink blush.

Enjoy!

 Sheer Look

"Orange Juice" lipgloss by Sephora

Muted Look

"Ravishing" by MAC

Bold Look

"Lady Danger" by MAC

So there are a few options on how to rock this trend. As far as fashion and wardrobe is concerned, monochromatic outfits and simple neutral outfits can most definitely compliment this lip. Also, jewel tones can make this really stand out. Again, do as you will, there are essentially no rules in your personal fashion :]

Lots of Love,

Mary XOXO