APPLY BLUSH LIKE A PRO WITH THESE QUICK TIPS

I firmly believe in the power of blush, and that it is a vital part of any makeup routine.

The proper application of blush is like an instant face lift and brings a warmth and brightness to the face that no other type of product can. But if your not sure how to apply blush correctly, it can go south real quick. Here are the things you need to know to apply blush in the most flattering way for your face shape.

The Classic Application- all face shapes

• Gives and a natural flush of color, works with all blush colors (including brights!)

• Apply an oval brush stroke over the cheekbone, stopping under the center of the eye

• Use a loose domed brush for easy blending like the Real Techniques Domed Brush

The Rosy Glow- long, oval or oblong face shapes

• Visually cuts the face in half, to shorten and widen. Best with light peaches and pinks

• Apply with a dabbing techniques on the apples of your cheeks

• Use a stippling brush for tapping and blending like the Real Techniques Instapop Cheek Brush

Highlight Application- oval or heart face shapes

• Emphasizes the eyes and give an upward lift to the face. Works with lighter shimmer tones

• Sweep tone on the top of the cheekbones, up towards the temples

• Use a fan brush to easily work around the eye like the It Cosmetics Fan Brush

Sculpt Technique- round or square face shapes

• Chisel out cheekbones and create a more angular face. Use brown/ beige based blushes

• Sweep blush under the cheekbone from the ear forward, stopping below the center of the eye

• Use an angled brush to help define the cheekbone and make the face appear more narrow, like the Sonia Kashuk Angled Brush

Thanks so much for reading, and let me know in the comments down below if you have any blush secrets to share. And links to the blush in the video are down below. xo

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE YOUR NEXT CONCEALER PURCHASE

Hi friends! Thanks so much for stopping by today- I hope you leave with a new tip or trick up your sleeve! Today I am sharing my latest episode of Studio5 TV with you, all about

the basics of using concealer correctly. There are just so many types of concealers on the market, and it can be overwhelming to select the right one for you. But I hope this video will help you crack the code, and select the right formula for your needs, and give you a few helpful application techniques.

Products mentioned: 

• Bye Bye Under Eye

• NYX Dark Circle Concealer

• Dermablend Cover Creme

• ELF Corrective Concealer

• Pixi Flawless Finishing Powder

Hope that helps, and cheers to your beautiful [flawless] faces! xo

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ZIT COVERUP 101 // THE BEST WAY TO COVER ACNE

Zits are simply the worst.

I have shed a few too many tears over the state of my skin, and truth be told, it was less than a week ago that I had my most recent cry for that very reason. Anyone who has struggled with acne knows the pain and heartache that can come when you skin doesn't cooperate. It may seem trivial (and in the GRAND scheme of things, I know it is trivial) but living each day with ugly bright red bumps on your face is not something I wish anyone to endure.

My skin has improved quite a bit over the last year, but lately I've had a flare up that has been plaguing my self esteem and made me want to throw in the towel. But alas, life must go on, and with that I thought I would give you a quick video to show the process I go through to cover acne each day.

I'm calling it Zit CoverUp 101- and I hope you find it helpful! Watch the video below and then check out the products that I use and recommend too.

Products Used in Video:

• BareMinerals Complexion Rescue- (02 Vanilla) Tinted Moisturizer

• Dermablend Cover Creme- (Chroma 1 Rose Beige) Concealer

• BareMinerals Blemish Remedy- (02 Clearly Pearl) Mineral Foundation

• Pixi by Petra Quick Fix Translucid Powder- Setting Powder

• Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Bronzer

• Milani Rose Powder Blush (Coral Cove)

• IT Cosmetics Powder Brush- Blending & Bronzer

• IT Cosmetics Blurring Concealer Brush- Concealer & Foundation

• IT Cosmetics Soft Focus Blush Brush- Blush

I truly hope this video is helpful to you, if only to let you know that you are not alone when dealing with acne. If you know someone who might benefit from this post too, please share! xo

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MASKCARA IIID FOUNDATION // REVIEW AND DEMO

Why hello lovely! Have you ever experienced a time when you were so ahead of the game, I mean like the ORIGINAL believer/ lover of/ promoter of something that later turned out to be HUGE!? Like that one person that read the Twilight book first, and started the #IheartEdward fan club, before anyone else on planet Earth had even thought about vampires in centuries.

Or were you the original 'Dirty Diet Coke' drinker, way before it became cool and now everyone plus their mom drinks their DC with lime and coconut!?

And then you are all 'HEY! Peeps, I started this whole thing- so give credit where credit is due!' Boom. [insert angry face]

I think it's safe to say that it has happened to all of us at some point in time. I also think it is safe to say the the ORIGINAL beauty guru that started the whole ‘Highlight & Contour' craze, was none other than Cara Brook, of MaskCara.com

Now whether or not she's all huffy on the sidelines [I doubt it, I've met her and she is too kind to be huffy] and wondering when the rest of the world decided to jump on the bandwagon when it comes to the way we apply foundation... I don't really know. But Cara is a revolutionary with this product and technique, so it's no wonder that everyone else is joining this fan club.

If you missed my review on the first generation of IIID Foundation, you can go back and read that here. But let's talk about what has changed since the first go around, and why this foundation has been on repeat since I got it.

MaskCara IID Foundation: Linen/ Walnut/ Pink Grapefruit/ Illuminator

The new IIID Foundation is like the way cooler older sister of the first edition.

The packaging is much better and allows for custom palette creation with insertable colors and refills. It's a heavier quality plastic too which is much improved, and the magnetic system for holding the pans is perfect.

The makeup itself has also undergone a makeover, and the results are that much better.

The highlight colors are designed for brightening and concealing. They are super creamy and spread really nicely under the eyes especially, but have great coverage as well for those dark circles or acne like I have. These tones are all warm to reflect light and give a natural 'glowy' effect.

Next, you'll pick a contour shade designed to chisel out the bone structure of your face and really make you look sculpted. The consistency of these colors is thicker and less creamy because they are designed to stay in place more firmly on the skin. After all we don't want our contour to go running down our face do we? Cara designed these colors to be cooler so that they look like a shadow on the face, versus a typical warm bronzer.

Finally you can top off the look with a blush and the illuminator. These final steps really make the face come to life and feel more feminine. And you know I LOVE a good blush color!

Here's a really quick look at my application process to give you an idea (video)

And for those of you with acne or oily skin, I recommend setting your oily/acne zones with a translucent powder to give the foundation extra holding power. I use the Pixi Quick Fix and love it. I also recommend a the Pixi Full Coverage Foundation Brush to apply the IIID foundation, because the bristles and size of the brush work well with the narrow makeup pans- so you don't accidentally pick up neighboring colors. And the bristles are contoured to fit into tighter spaces under your eyes etc. nicely, but it's still big enough to cover the whole face quickly. (Although in the video, I am using the MaskCara double sided brush which is great too)

Let me know if you have tried the IIID Foundation, or if you love highlighting & contouring as much as I do? Plus if you were ahead of your time on something HUGE, I wanna know that too! Thanks so much for stopping by today, xo

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PRODUCT FAILS // NOT SO SNOOP TASTIC AFTER ALL

Happy Monday Snoopettes! Thanks so much for taking a minute out of your day to hang out with me. I love and appreciate all of you. [insert hugs here]

Today I have a fun video for you; another edition of 'Not-So-Snoop-Tastic', which is a round up of the products that simply didn't make the cut and as such, are deemed flops in my book.

I don't share negative reviews often because I like to keep this place a positive one as much as possible. But, I also don't want you to buy anything that may let you down as well if that can be avoided, and I also like to give you some insight into how I decide which products get featured here on the blog. I am a pretty tough critic, as you'll see in the

video

 below.

Have you tried any of these products? And if so what were your thoughts? Let me know in the comments below, and stay classy out there, xo

5 MINUTE MAKEUP // SIMPLIFY YOUR ROUTINE

Lately I have been working on being more efficient with my time, and that includes my getting-ready-routine. After some trial and error, I've streamlined my makeup routine and really focused on ways to make it move quicker in the morning.

There are 10 steps to the 5 minute makeup routine

, and they are designed to work in this order because it is the most efficient when done this way.  You'll see that they transition from one step to the next seamlessly, and cut out time wasting steps.

Although I cringe every time I have to put a photo of my bare face up on this blog... I couldn't just tell you about the 5 minute routine, I needed to show you so that you can see it in action for yourself. In reality, A LOT can be accomplished in 5 minutes if you are organized and have a game plan. Take a look at the

video below

, and watch my routine in action. It certainly isn't my most masterful makeup application, but it works in a pinch and hopefully will help you too!

Products Used:

• Garnier Moisture Rescue

• Benefit PoreFessional Primer

• ELF Lustrous Cream Shadow

• It Cosmetics Bye Bye Undereye Concealer

• Philosophy Hope in a Jar Foundation applied with Beauty Blender

• NYX Eyebrow Cake Powder in Dark Brown

• Benefit Hoola Bronzer applied with It Cosmetics Bronzer Brush

• Milani Blush in Coral Cove applied with It Cosmetics Highlight & Blend Brush

• Covergirl Full Lash Bloom Mascara

• Buxom Lip Polish in Isabella

What tips do you have for an efficient morning routine? Let me know in the comments below, and thanks so much for reading and sharing! xo

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BLUE RIBBON WINNERS // THE BEST OF IT COSMETICS

It's no secret that I am a total super fan when it comes to

It Cosmetics

. The line is fuss-free and in my mind it's one of the best performing brands on the market- meaning the products actually work and do what they say they are going to do! Who doesn't love a product that actually fulfills its' promises!?!

I went through my large collection of It Cosmetics products, and rounded up the best of the best to share with you today. I am 100% confident that you would love anything on this list too- they are just THAT good.

THE BEST OF IT COSMETICS:

• Bye-Bye Under Eye Anti-Aging Concealer this under eye concealer is full coverage and creamy, plus it has collegen and vitamins in it to tighten the skin and hydrate. This is designed to combat major dark circles and the results are awesome! Plus a tiny bit is all you need.

• Tightline Primer (micro wand mascara)- I have raved about this product so many times, so I couldn't leave it out of this list. The micro wand gets all the way down to the base of the lashes and is actually soft enough that you can rest it right on the rim of the lid (giving a 'tightline' eyeliner look) without causing any pain or flinching. The formula is super dark and stains the lashes so nicely. You can wear it alone for a natural yet pigmented lash, or under your fav mascara for more volume.

• Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream- This CC cream/foundation is great for full coverage, goes on easily and blends seamlessly. Not to mention the 50SPF that is built in which takes sunscreen to an whole new level of protection! Plus it smells minty fresh.

• Build-A-Brow Micro Fiber Creme Stain- If sparse brow hair is an issue for you, or you have trouble getting your brows to 'stay on' all day... this brow creme stain will change your life. It is unlike any product out there with it's built in fibers for volume, and a stain factor that truly lasts 12 hours or more.

• Naturally Pretty Matte Transforming Eyeshadow Palette- One palette that fulfills all your needs. The colors are beautifully pigmented and blend wonderfully. The shades are all matte- but you can transform them into a pearl finish by using the pearl overlay shade as well. Tres cool!

• CC+ Radiance Ombre Bronzer- My secret to glowing skin year round has been this ombre bronzer. It has a gorgeous shimmer built in, and the graduated tones give you the ability to customize the depth of your bronze with ease.

• Airbrush Foundation/Concealer Brush- Seriously the ONLY makeup brushes I ever buy, this one is the cream of the crop. The duel ends are perfect for liquid foundation and concealer and the softness of the bristles are unreal. Plus it washes like a dream! [check out my brush cleaning video here]

• Live Beautifully Large Powder Brush- Another fav brush of mine... this one is large and in charge. It's my go-to for powder foundation and blending till the cows come home.

Do you have any must-trys from It Cosmetics? Let me know in the comments below and thanks for reading, xo

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5 [EMBARRASSING] MAKEUP MISTAKES YOU DON'T KNOW YOU ARE MAKING

Every time I switch up my hair color (which is a lot, in my case) I like to reevaluate the makeup that I pair with

said

new hair color. It is a great excuse to clean out my collection and update expired products etc. If you don't change you hair color as often as I do- then the beginning of each new season is a great time to do this as well.

During my last makeup update- I realized that I had made some pretty

bad makeup mistakes

in the past... which made me laugh, but also made me think that there are probably lots of women who make these mistakes too. Today's post will hopefully help you avoid those mistakes and leave you feeling beautifully confident!

5 [EMBARRASSING] MAKEUP MISTAKES YOU DON'T 

KNOW YOU ARE MAKING

1- YOU DON'T CHECK YOUR REFLECTION IN NATURAL OUTDOOR LIGHT PRIOR TO LEAVING THE HOUSE

• This exercise alone will make the world of difference for so many women. Indoor lighting speaks LIES to all of us! Taking the time to look in the mirror while standing in front of a window will reveal uneven or blotchy makeup, the wrong color of foundation, too much blush or bronzer... and the list goes on. Don't skip this important step- And all of the below mistakes can be caught, by following this step alone.

2- YOU DON'T REMOVE EXCESS MAKEUP FROM YOUR HAIRLINE AND BROWS

• A huge pet peeve of mine, and a mistake that I made for years before I realized! The fine hairs located in the hair line and just above the eyebrows or just in front of your ears (often referred to as peach fuzz or baby hair) are like magnets for foundation and powder. In the right lighting those hairs are now 'skin-colored', which is a dead giveaway that you are sporting [too much] makeup. Simply take a dry tissue and sweep it along the baby hair after you've finish your makeup and remove any excess that is sitting on the hairs.

3- YOU DON'T REMOVE EXCESS MAKEUP FROM YOUR INNER EYE AND LOWER LASH LINE

• Along the same lines as above, using a cotton swab to remove excess makeup from your tear duct the inner rim of your eyes in a crucial step to making your look appear natural. The skin around your eyes is meant to be colored differently than the rest of your face, and when it is all the same tone, you are on a bullet train to 'over-done' land. Blend and transition... it's the name of the game! Make it easy with the one and only Beauty Blender.

4- YOU DON'T BLEND YOUR MAKEUP AROUND THE SIDES OF YOUR NECK

• Holy crap- this again is another mistake that I used to make, and I see a lot while out in public. One time I saw a pic of me from the side, and I had a very clear 'line' that showed where I stopped blending my makeup on my neck. My chest and front of my neck looked great, but I forgot to blend and transition my bronzer around the sides of my neck. whoops! This is especially important when you are wearing your hair up and your neck is exposed.

5- YOU DON'T SET WITH TRANSLUCENT POWDER TO AVOID MAKEUP TRANSFER TO YOUR COLLARS OR NECKLINES

• There is nothing less sexy than having makeup all over your collar. It happens to the best of us, but can be avoided if you either skip neck and chest makeup on collar-wearing days, or at the very least; set your makeup with a translucent powder to add a buffer and protect you clothing. I love this splurge or this save option. And this super save option too! Also placing a hand towel over your face, then sliding your top on over that, is a great way to avoid transfer.

I hope these tips help you to look and feel more gorgeous! Any other mistakes that you would add to this list? Let me know in the comments below- and come say hi over on

instagram

.

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3 EASY MAKEUP LOOKS IN TIME FOR VALENTINE'S DAY

Whether you are planning a big night out on the town with your hubby, or you are having a galentine's celebration with your lady entourage... Valentine's Day is such a fun excuse to glam up and try something fun for your beauty look.

Wearing // Pink: Lovecraft Red: Adora Plum: Motorhead [with Buxom Purple Haze Gloss]

Lately I've only been wearing Studded Kiss lipstick from Kat Von D... I've been hooked since November when I picked up her Holiday collection. So I thought I would share a few Valentine's Day makeup ideas using the Kat Von D lipsticks as my inspiration.

The studded packaging is badass just 

like Kat herself, and the pigments in the collection are so vibrant and packed with color. I would describe the texture as a true matte, having a low moisture level   with no gloss or sparkle. A few of the shades have a shimmer built in, but they are still matte in my opinion. This finish lasts a solid 8 hours, and is also very nice for multi tonal looks [like ombre lipstick] because it simply stays put on the lips and you don't have to worry about running or smearing. I also love to add a gloss over the top of these for night time wear or when I need a hint more moisture.

Which Valentine's look is your fav? I really love how changing the lipstick out can change the WHOLE look completely and gives you a different attitude to boot! I hope you have some fun plans for this weekend! xo

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TARGET BEAUTY: THE BEST OF E.L.F. COSMETICS

A couple weeks back I shared

my favorite picks from the Pixi line

, and today I'm keeping the budget-train rolling with my top picks from the ELF line which can also be scooped up at

Target

as we'll as on the

eyeslipsface

website.

This line is perfect for the gal on a budget, and I always recommend it to my teen and college student readers and friends because it doesn't break the bank, but still offers really great products. And w

hile not

everything

is a must-buy in my opinion, there are so many goodies I do love and recommend, as well as use myself on a regular basis. Here is a wrap up of the best products from ELF:

• Studio Blush Palette- This palette is a great buy and has several different tones of blush and bronze all in one place. The texture is a soft pressed pigment, that applies easily and blends nicely with great staying power. In fact all of the blushes and bronzers from ELF are winners!

• 3-in-1 Mascara- I love the balled tip applicator on this mascara wand and the comb type bristles are great for separating and giving lashes a rich black coating. The balled end works great for detailing the corners of your eyes and for quick sweeping along the lower lashes without smudges.

• Lustrous Cream Eye Shadows- These cream shadows are new to the line, but I've already scooped up 3 colors and LOVE them. They are easy to apply with your ring finger and spread on smoothly with lovely shimmer and metallic tones. They are beautiful on their own, or work great as a primer under your powder shadows for an extra pop of color and staying power.

• Under Eye HD Setting Powder- Designed to blur fine lines, and give a brightening effect to the under eye area, this super fine milled loose powder has become one of my favorite products to keep in my purse for mid-day touchups. While the brush it comes with is useless, the powder sweeps on with your finger very nicely and quickly brightens and refreshes your under eyes in a snap!

• Studio Makeup Mist & Set- Like hairspray for your face... this stuff sets your makeup and holds it all day. Essential for humid and hot months, but great for oily complexions all year round- and a fraction of the price of other options out there. Yes please!

• Lip Exfoliator- This bumpy tube of goodness is so easy to use and is the best way to prep lips for an application of those hard to apply matte colors (MAC Rubywoo, I'm looking at you!) Plus it's wonderful to use in the winter months when dry lips are always lurking.

I've included a few more of my favorites in the shopping slider down below, otherwise this post would have been 10 miles long. The only thing I would caution you against purchasing are the ELF makeup brushes. I find them to be very scratchy on the skin and haven't had good luck with them in the bristle shedding department or the washability department. I firmly 

believe

 that high quality brushes make a HUGE difference with makeup application, so I'll continue to splurge there. 

Thanks for reading! Do you have any ELF favorites? Share them with me in the comments down below, and I'll catch you all soon, xo 

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3 LIP PLUMPING GLOSSES YOUR POUT NEEDS NOW

2014 was the year of the full lip- thanks to the phenomenon known as Kylie Jenner and her perfectly plump nude pout that swept the nation and the Rumor mill with heated debates about her makeup routine and possible plastic surgery.

I haven't dared to venture into lip injections and don't really plan to any time soon. I do however love a good temporary lip plumping gloss or serum and the illusion of a great overdrawn lip liner to fake an enhanced lip.

I've tested my fair share of these lip boosting formulas, and rounded up the top three choices for a mild to a major mouth popping effect:

Buxom Lip Polish

- Mild- the Buxom Lip Polishes have been my personal cult favorite glosses for almost a decade since their introduction to the market. They have a mild tingle and a great subtle plumping action that lasts about an hour while the color pigment wears longer. These come in over 40 shades and are the best for daily use.

Too Faced Lip Injection

- Medium- the Too Faced Lip Injection serum is more intense and causes a stronger heat and tingle reaction. You'll feel the blood be drawn to the lips about a minute after you've applied it and the plumping action typically lasts 1-2 hours. This option only comes in a clear formula, so you'll need to add additional color over the top. Some people do have a reaction to this formula although I never have- I would suggest grabbing a sample at Sephora before purchasing just to be sure.

City Lips

- 

Major- the City Lips gloss use a different technology to plump the pout and this one averages 3mm of growth with each use. It's really quite amazing and although it's warm and tingly- it's not quite as intense as the Too Faced option. It comes in 8 shades and is quite hydrating, but also pairs we'll with additional glosses or lipsticks. You can also apply this each night before bed and over about 30 days you'll get a semi-permanent plump that lasts as long as you keep up your regular use. Pretty neat eh?!

Kisses!

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TARGET BEAUTY: A PIXI BY PETRA MAKEUP REVIEW

Target has been KILLING IT lately in the style department. Just ask my credit card statement. Or my husband, who pays

said

credit card statement... [oops!] But seriously though, if you haven't browsed the isles of a Target store lately and seen the amazing home design, clothing and shoes, then at least stop by the makeup and skincare isles.

Target has brought on some of the best beauty lines from across the pond, and I for one, am thrilled that they are now available so readily here at my fav retailer.

Pixi by Petra

is no stranger in the beauty junkie world, but if this line is newer to you, here's a little rundown:

Pixi by Petra

was started over a decade ago by makeup artist Petra Strand in London. She's been a makeup artist for over 20 years, and I remember hearing about her products in the early days of youtube from my British cohorts who raved about them in their blogger videos. The line has a skincare element to it and the products all contain natural botanicals and healthy skin ingredients.

My Pixi collection has grown steadily over the last year, and today I've rounded up my blue ribbon picks from the collection.

Here are the must try products from Pixi by Petra

:

• Correction Concentrate- Under eye circles have met their match with this creamy peach concealer that knocks out blue shadows and veins with one swipe. It's color-theory at it's best and it doesn't settle into fine lines or melt away throughout the day.

• Glow Tonic- While this one hasn't shown up on the shelves of Target just yet, I still included it in this post because it is in my opinion the crown jewel of Pixi's line. This toner leaves skin indeed glowing as the name indicates but also hydrated and exfoliated as well. I also love the scent because it reminds me of my late grandmother's perfume- in a wonderfully nostalgic way.

• Natural Brow Duo- This multi tasking duel sided brow wizard has an automatic brow pomade pencil on one side, that has a chiseled angle applicator which is easy to use and gives great volume to the brows as well as nice color. The other end houses your setting brow gel which doesn't flake and keeps the brows in place all day and night.

• Fairy Dust- A great loose pigment eye shadow that is finely milled and easy to apply with a built in sponge applicator. I love the shimmer tones and the pigment is beautiful and lasts with out creasing. Add a primer before hand for a brighter color payoff.

• Shea Butter Lip Balm- I love these soft lip balms with a hint of tint and tons of moisture. The sheer colors are beautiful and they wear like a dream.

• Sheer Cheek Gel- The bright pigments in these gels look intimidating at first but they are quite dewey and mellow once applied to the skin. The gel texture isn't sticky at all and gives a nice bright pop of color to the cheeks that looks lit from within.

• Quick Fix Powder- Set your face for an all day matte finish with this innovative powder puff. The packaging is genius and mess free- which I love and gives you the benefits of a loose powder without the white residue all over your countertop or clothing. I don't care for the scent on this one, but the oil absorption and matte properties are top notch.

Have you tried any Pixi products? Got any favorites to share with us? Let me know in the comments down below, and thanks so much for stopping by today! And if you didn't hear about my girl

MaskCara

's new

makeup launch

, be sure you head over there to check it out. I already bought be custom palette and I can't wait to get it! 

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7 WAYS TO USE YOUR BEAUTY BLENDER

Every now and then, there is a beauty tool that comes around that changes the landscape of the industry. These rare cult-favorites are usually an investment and it may take some convincing [and/or saving] before you decide to buy. If you are like me, you may have tried some of the other knock-off sponges first in hopes that you would get the same results without the heavy price tag, but alas that didn't work out in your favor. Fast forward to today- I actually own and use FOUR Beauty Blenders currently, because it really is that good and I am totally obsessed. But again, if you are like me, you want to get the most out of your purchase because after all, $20 is $20 and it doesn't grow on trees.

Here are 7 ways to use your beauty blender in your makeup routine:

*Remember your BB should always be pre-moistened with water prior to use. This changes the texture and size of the sponge, but also makes it so your products aren't absorbed into the sponge.

1- Moisturizer or Serum

The BB is ideal for applying your moisture products and the white Pure BB is designed for just that, although any of the sponges work great.

2- Primer

This is one of my favorite uses for the sponge because it presses the primer into the pores and fills them more compactly and evenly then using your finger tips. Use the small end to apply your eye lid primers as well.

3- Foundation (Liquid or Powder) & Setting Powder

The most common use for the BB is to apply foundation, and if you just use it for this one step you'll still feel as though it was worth the purchase! The bouncing action of the sponge distributed your foundation so evenly with out streaking, and mimics the natural texture of your skin. Many people don't know however, that powdered foundations are also applied beautifully with the BB too. Just dip the sponge into the minerals, tap off the excess, and bounce the sponge on the skin to distribute the formula seamlessly. Finish your whole look with a dusting of translucent setting powder too.

4- Contour & Blush (Cream or Powder)

The precision small-sided tip of the sponge is perfect to draw lines of your dark contour colors under the cheekbones, down the sides of the nose, and under the jawline. You'll be able to see exactly where the color is placed and your results will be that much better. Then flip the sponge over, and bounce the rounded side along your contour lines to blend and blur the lines. Ditto for your blush as well.

5- Concealer

Use the BB to blend concealer with minimum effort and maximum comfort. I never worry about tugging on the delicate skin around my eyes with the BB because its' texture is so forgiving. The point of the sponge is great for getting to the inner corners of your eyes, and the small folds around your nose. BB even has a new mini sponge for detailed worked, although I haven't tried it yet.

6- Eye Shadow (Cream or Powder)

You might not think about using the BB for your eye shadow, but I find it is an amazing way to apply your cream shadows and blend out your edges with powdered shadows as well. The pointed tip makes application a breeze, and you can layer and build color beautifully. The mini BB would also be great for this purpose.

7- Lips (Balms or Stains)

When applying your more liquidy lip colors like balms, glosses or stains- the BB is a welcome companion. I love it for adding a hint of tint to the lips without looking too heavy in color. It's also ideal for blending ombre or color fade lipstick looks. Apply your lip liner first, then simply dab the lip color to fill in the lines.

Are there any ways you use your Beauty Blender that I haven't tried? Let me know in the comments below- and if you haven't tried a Beauty Blender yet... I am sure you can see that I highly recommend it!

THE MAGIC MAKEUP BRUSH CLEANSER YOU'VE NEVER HEARD OF

Pin Me!

Oh hello friend! You are in for a treat today- I am sharing my

MAGIC technique for cleaning those pesky makeup brushes

. You will never use dish soap or alcohol again, when you see what secret ingredient I discovered that makes makeup JUMP out of your brushes. It's amazing! Check out the quick

video tutorial

below, and let me know what you think.

What you'll need:

Fractionated [liquid] Coconut Oil-

DoTerra

 or

Nature's Way

Liquid Cleanser-

Beauty Blender

or

Method Foaming Hand Wash

Hope you'll try this

new secret method of cleaning makeup brushes

- it really is the most amazing technique, and I'll never go back to anything else. Science rules! xo

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ADD THIS TO YOUR NYC MUST-DO LIST: CUSTOM LIPSTICK AT THE BITE LIP LAB

Clockwise: Pigment 'chocolates'  |  Lipstick cooling in molds  |  Flavor oils

I had a mission when I was in New York earlier this month: '

Get your booty to the Bite Lip Lab, Megan! ' I gave myself that order, however... no one was really yelling that at me! ha.

I've been a Bite fan since the first day of their arrival in the US, at Sephora stores. And I've written about some of my fav Bite products on this blog in the past, but I hadn't yet experienced their custom lip color creation process, that only happens in NY.

Lucky for me the stars aligned and I was able to create my own color while in New York. The process is seriously so cool, and it made me want to experiment creating my own lip colors at home. But, that's another story for another time.

If you are in The City anytime soon, you must make a trip to the Lip Lab for yourself- you won't regret it! I watched in awe as the ladies of Bite worked to combine colors, melt down the pigments, hand stir in the flavorings and gloss options- then carefully pour the liquid into lipstick molds. Then the molds are super-chilled to set the lipstick in the perfect shape, and lastly the mold pops off and the applicator tube slides on into position.

I went with a rich orangey-red color for Fall, and I added coconut and mint as my flavorings with a satin creme finish. I love the way it turned out, and I also love the all of Bite's products are natural, and in fact healthy enough to eat... although I don't think I'll be consuming my lipstick anytime soon.

If you won't be in New York in the near future, you can still scoop up your own Bite products at Sephora. My favs include their Matte Lip Crayons, and their Lush Lip Tint. Now's the perfect time to switch your lip color up for the new season. Thanks for stopping by today, xo

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MASCARA WANDS 101 // WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE YOUR NEXT PURCHASE

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Ever wondered

what the crap all of those different mascara wands are for? Why are they shaped differently, and what will the results be?

It can be more than a little confusing at times- and really overwhelming when you are strolling down the makeup isle.

Wearing:

Can't Hold Me Down Dress

c/o White Plum

Well, rest easy my friends- today I am putting you through my

Mascara Wands 101

course, and by the end of it you'll be a pro! Here is what you need to know about the different mascara wand types, and don't miss the video from Studio5 TV with more info (available after 2pm MST) and the GIVEAWAY down below. Although there are variations out there that I haven't included, these are the 7 basic types of wands and the rest all fit under one of these categories as well.

Oversized Wand- Maximum VOLUME

These full bristle wands are designed for amplified volume all around. They will thicken the lashes as well as give length and are designed to POP the eye open with their effect. These types of wands are better for advanced makeup junkies who aren't 'flinchy' with eye makeup. If you have small or deep set eyes however, this guy is not the best pick. Try

Maybelline Mega Plush

 or

Too Faced Better than Sex

(dumb name, amazing mascara)

Cone Taper Wand- Winged Out Corners

Cone shapes will help direct the lashes toward the outer corners and accentuate the cat-eye look. The bristles that are longer will distribute more product on the lashes, so those will be the ones that are elongated. This mascara is great to pair with a cat-eye liner to really finish off the total look. Try

Maybelline Lots of Lashes

 or

Lorac Pro Mascara

Curved Wand- Fanned Out Curl

Curved wands are designed to fan out the lashes from the inner corner all the way to the outer corner. The wand shape mimics the curve of the eye, so the wand is the same distance from the eye all the way across. This gives more curl to the lashes located at the two corners of your eye. Try Cover Girl

Flamed Up Mega Curl

 or

Dior Over Curl

Balled Tip- Detailed Corners

The balled tip is a favorite of mine because it allows you get very near the root at the corners to thoroughly coat the base of the lashes, without the risk of poking yourself with a sharp point. You can also turn the wand vertically and sweep the ball end across the lower lashes with lots of precision. You can use the ball tip to direct the outer corners as well, so you have the exact shape you are looking for. Try

Rimmel Scandaleyes Show Off

or

ELF 3-in-1 Mascara

Micro Wand- Tinted & Natural

The micro wand is again a huge favorite of mine because I love the simplicity of it and the natural looking results it gives. Great for your 'no-makeup' days, a micro wand will deliver a dark pigment to your lashes but won't build volume or much length. I also love that a micro wand can get all the way down to the root of your lashes (without poking your eyeball) which is so helpful if you have naturally light eye lashes like blondes and redheads often do. Oh, and it's a dream on those lower lashes too! Try

IT Cosmetics Tight Line Primer

or

Maybelline Lash Discovery

Rubber Shorty- Defined Length

If length is your primary focus, a short bristled rubber wand is the right pick for you. The formula is most evenly applied with this type of brush so you'll have less clumps and be able to build up a longer length with more coats. The short bristles also work as a comb of sorts, keeping lashes extended straight, aiding in the length yet again. Try

Wet n Wild Mega Length

or

Covergirl Lash Blast Length

Flat Comb- Separated & Dark

Definition is the name of the game with lash combs, so if you love to see a separation between every lash then this wand is the one you need. The comb pushes through the lashes and forces each one into a designated path way in the comb. The result is a very uniform lineup of lashes that are equally spaced from one another and coated in lots of pigment. Try

Napoleon Perdis MesmerEyes

or

Mirenesse Cougar Mascara 

Thanks so much for stopping by today, I hope you found this guide to mascara wands helpful! If you want to win a HUGE goody bag of my fav mascaras for yourself, be sure you enter the giveaway down below using the rafflecopter entry. The first two entries are mandatory to play, and the rest are optional but additional entries into the running. Good luck! And check out my cute dress from

White Plum

today, it's only $39 and I LOVE it! 

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

MAKEUP SPLURGE OR SAVE

Hello loves! Today is a great day on the blog- I am so happy you are here, so thank you!

I stopped by Studio5 TV today to dish on my makeup must haves, and the best part is I included two budget options in each category so you can SAVE or SPLURGE! Check out the video and then shop your picks using the links below. PLUS, one lucky reader will be scooping up a care package full of my must-haves, so be sure you enter to win using the rafflecopter entry below. There's also a BONUS VIDEO today, where I answer the question, 'Can a women over 30 wear a headband without looking like a wanna-be teenager?' Check out my answer below.

SPLURGE:

• Nude Toned Eye Palette- Urban Decay Naked Palette

• Highlighting Cheek Stick- Nars The Multiple Stick

• Peach Toned Under Eye Concealer- Bobbi Brown Corrector

• Automatic Brow Pencil-Anastasia Brow Wiz

• Translucent Finishing Powder- Urban Decay De-Slick Mattifying Powder

SAVE:

• Nude Toned Eye Palette-Maybelline The Nudes Palette

• Highlighting Cheek Stick- Sonia Kashuk Luminosity Stick

• Peach Toned Under Eye Concealer- NYX Dark Circle Concealer

• Automatic Brow Pencil- NYX Automatic Brow Pencil

• Translucent Finishing Powder- Neutrogena Shine Control Powder

Hope some of these goodies solve an issue for you! Thanks again for stopping by, don't forget the giveaway below- the first two entry options are required, the rest are optional but each one you complete adds your name into the drawing an additional time. Good luck!

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

THE MAKEUP TREND STARTED BY CLEOPATRA... OR MAYBE IT WAS ELIZABETH TAYLOR?

I am a huge fan of 

Sex & The City

! If you didn't know that- well, there ya go! What does this have to do with today's topic:

Kajal Eye Liners

?

Well, in the second [and quite horrible, really] Sex & The City movie, Carrie and the girls take a wild trip to Abu Dhabi. While out shopping, Carrie runs into her ex-fiance, and show favorite, Aidan. Prior to this run in, Carrie makes a purchase from a street vendor who is selling beautiful jeweled shoes... AND traditional Indian Kajal eyeliners. This sets the scene for a later part in the film where Carrie applies the eyeliner and then gets into lots of trouble with Aidan. We will just leave it there...

These types of eye liners date all the way back to Ancient Egypt, a la Cleopatra... but are still worn today in many Indian and Asian cultures. You've probably seen similar types of

eye kohls

produced by all the major beauty brands, but lately the more traditional kajal formulas are popping up too!

Kajals typically come in a cone-shaped applicator, and contain deep tones of natural pigment, that are laced with oils to give them a super creamy texture that is perfect for inner-eye lining. 

The liners are made for sultry looks, and they are typically worn around the entire rim of the eye with a flick on each corner. If you've been wanting to try a new take on your eye makeup routine- this is a really fun way to start. I've seen the Kajals by both

Maybelline

and

Physicians Formula

at my local stores, and no doubt more brands will be jumping in on the action soon too.

Here's a look at how I've been wearing mine. To get the perfect extended cat eye, use my super high-tech trick: fold a facial tissue in half, then again a few times until you have a nice thick folded edge. Place the folded edge at the corner of your eye on the the angle you want your cat eye to sweep. Then, simply trace your liner across the edge of the tissue, for a perfectly straight line that extends as high as you want it to! Easy as pie.

Let me know if you pick up any of these Kajal type liners and what your thoughts are. I am really liking the way they apply so smoothly, but I am still working on the best way to set them so they don't migrate as the day goes on.

xo

PS- anyone remember that music group called 'Cleopatra'?

One hit wonder...

 'comin at-cha'!

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FIRST LOOK: ONE DIRECTION MAKEUP COLLECTION

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Hello lovlies! Thanks so much for stopping by today. If you've been a reader of mine for a while you may know about my fascination with celebrity endorsed or designed products... I am always drawn to them, even though I usually am very skeptical about the amount of involvement the famous faces

actually

have with the creation of these products. (Although sometimes I am wrong, 

click this post

 to see when that happens)

'One Direction: They are cute. They can sing. They wear really tight pants. And now they sell makeup. Ok.'

This line is no different. I highly doubt that the 5 members of One Direction actually had much to say or do with the development of their new makeup collection, after all- they most likely have a lot of things on their plates... and don't wear hot pink lipstick too often themselves. But I still wanted to check it out and give you a first look at their

Up All Night

collection that launches on August 11th at Macys.

Take a look at the

video

below to see what you get in each box, and to see my first impression on the makeup itself.

To get more info on the makeup collection by One Direction, you can follow along over on this

facebook page

, and read up on each collection and its' contents

here

. If you are ready to join in the fun, you can shop the makeup starting on August 11th at

Macys

.

Adios!

PR samples were provided to the beauty snoop by brandbacker

THE MATTE LIPS YOU'LL LOVE FOR NEXT SEASON

1- Glace

2-Tatin

3-Sucre

4-Peche

5-Fraise

6-Framboise

No but seriously, I have been stalking Bite Beautys' every move since they came on the scene, and let me tell you- they are leading the pack when it comes to lip products and development of formulas that just wow me every time. The lip-only line is available at Sephora, and these newest additions are so good it hurts. Matte finishes have swept the beauty world by storm this year, and I for one love the sophisticated look they give any outfit or hair style.

The Bite lip crayons are so easy to use because they are like a liner and lipstick all in one tube. The formula is creamy and easy to apply, comes in the perfect sized automatic pencil applicator, and stays put for hours. Not to mention the pigments are super rich and opaque which makes for the perfect matte look.  To say I have been 'bitten' by these, is a totally cheesy pun, but I'm stick'n with it! And I hear that there will be an additional 6 new shades for Fall out next month, and I am so excited to see them. Which color is your fav?

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